Being able to live off campus after your first year of school is an exhilarating experience. I mean, having your own space, being as loud as you want at late hours of the night, and stocking your fridge up with all the junk food Safeway carries sounds like bliss. However, sometimes the best part about sharing an apartment with other students is actually the worst and most stressful part of this newly-found freedom.
Have you ever heard people say that living with your friends is never a good idea? In some ways, there’s a tremendous amount of validity to that statement.
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Living with friends is never easy. You might be living with your freshman year bestie and slowly realize that your living styles don’t match up as much as your personalities do, or you may be living with people you were never that close with and still never make it past the hump.
Whatever your situation may be, letting the stress of an uncertain relationship weigh you down and force you to see things in a negative light isn’t the way you should be reveling in your first few apartment experiences. The anxiety can become overwhelming and unhealthy, and it’s hard to enjoy some of best college experiences if you’re unable to enjoy yourself at the place you call home.
When trying to navigate the uncertain space between a roommate and a friend, it’s important to remember that college is definitely about forming friendships and meeting new people, but it’s also about learning independence and being content in solitude. Being able to do your own thing without the dependency of someone else or without the social pressure of being in a group 24/7 is a liberating experience.
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It’s important to keep social circles outside of your housemates and rely on those other resources for support. One of the best ways to avoid the anxiety with coming home to people you’re uncertain about is to have a wide network of friends and resources to turn to.
It might seem hard, but it’s important to stay civil with the people you share your PG&E bill with — even if you and her have seen rough days. In the end, you’re both here to make memorable college experiences. Remember to stay true to yourself and your goals. Let go of any possible anxiety and resentment and stay committed and determined to yourself.
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