Paramount Picture’s, The Roommate, has recently documented the psycho-stalker lifestyle that comes along with sharing a room with a complete stranger. We all think these atrocities can happen to every college student but ourselves right? Wrong. If you’re one of the unfortunate few who have roomie issues, here are some tips to help you survive deplorable living situations.
Problem: Your groceries seem to keep disappearing, but your roommate denies any affiliation with the issue.
If your roommate eats all your food, use stickers to mark your territory. Colored labels help distinguish “I might share this” from “do not eat this.” If she still eats it, let it slide that you spit in your food. That should lure her away from munching on your goodies. If the problem still persists, you might want to resort to buying a personal mini-fridge with a lock. They are available on Amazon.com for a pretty affordable price.
Problem: Your roommate has a crush on you.
After she declares her undying love for you, things can get a little messy. Let her know which way your wind blows, and explain exactly how you feel. No one likes awkward living situations. Set the tone to have an open, but clearly distinguished relationship.
Problem: Random strangers show up at your dorm at all hours of the day.
I am sure no one likes waking up to strange men staring at her from across their bed. If your roommate is giving out her key to strangers, do not let her. You have a right to privacy and safety. Express your feelings to her. If the issue continues to occur, kick the stranger out. If people continue to come back, it is time to give your roommate a dose of her own medicine. I am sure she won’t appreciate rowdy people in her dorm the night before her midterm. She’ll get the hint.
Problem: Your roommate is a hoarder.
Make sure that you distinctly draw lines on storage space. If stuff piles out from her room into every shared nook and cranny of your dorm, it’s time to have a chat. Clearly divide shared living spaces into what you can alter or use for storage, and what will be left untouched.
Problem: Your roommate is uncooperative with garbage duties.
Does your garbage pile up by the door and stink up the whole floor? Ladies, it is time to pull out the tried-and-true chart method. Tape a chart on the front door of your dorm. Whenever someone dumps the trash, they check a box on the chart. The first roommate to check all their boxes in the chart is relieved of garbage duties until a new chart is made. This ensures that every roommate cooperates an equal number of times, and that your dorm stays smelling clean.
Problem: The people on the floor above you like to run across the floor, in the middle of the night.
There’s nothing like heavy footsteps to ruin a good night’s sleep. Take a broom, or the nearest on-hand lengthy pole, and bang it on the roof. I’m sure they’ll hear your cry for silence.
Problem: You’re too shy to bring up touchy subjects in a face-to-face manner.
Try leaving a note under her door or on her bed. DO NOT post the note on the community bulletin board. If you post your personal business for the whole building to read, expect retaliation from that psycho roommate of yours.
If your roommate issues still remain unsolved, it might be time to have a chat with your resident assistant. RA’s are trained in interpersonal problem solving skills, especially in the communal living sector. They can be very helpful in negotiating solutions to all housing issues. For help, contact UCF Housing Administration at 407-823-4663.