Ask before you borrow
Sharing is caring but don’t just take. Not everyone is open to sharing or comfortable with borrowing things. Always ask to borrow something and don’t get frustrated if your roommate says no or hold it against her. You can just wear your shoes, they’re cuter anyways.
Don’t assume anything
Assuming your roommate will leave the door unlocked for you will bite you in your drunken ass at 3 AM on a Friday night. Assuming that your roommate will be quiet while you’re studying on a Sunday night will do the same. Just communicate with her about your schedule and pray that she will listen and respect you.
There’s always another place to study but there is nowhere else to nap
If your roommates sleeping it is probably best that you work somewhere else. You need to see what you’re doing and she needs to sleep. The library is open till 1:30 AM for a reason. Just be respectful, every girl needs her beauty sleep.
Don’t shut your roommate out
Emotionally and physically. You might really miss your family and friends but going home can really be hard on your roommate who doesn’t have the luxury of seeing their family every weekend. Even though this is mostly a freshman problem, don’t leave your roommate alone in the dark, let her know how you feel, roommates can definitely be the best type of therapists.
Don’t judge your roommate for her decisions
“Alcoholic” isn’t a cute pet name to call your roommate, she is just as much of an adult as you are. Making her feel guilty for what she does on the weekends and occasionally on Thursdays isn’t a great way to get through a whole year together. You should try going out with her, she’s clearly doing something right.
If you are planning on having visitors, ask your roomie first
Ask your roommate if it is okay at least a week before you have a visitor in your room. Just because you are comfortable with your friends coming here at the last minute doesn’t mean your roommate is. Your friends are strangers to her and her friends are strangers to you, sleeping in a room with a stranger can get weird. Make sure you properly introduce your roommate and your friend before you both stumble in at 2AM. Your roommates friends can easily become new friends to you, keep an open mind. Never forget to show your roommate some love after your friends are gone, don’t be afraid to buy her Starbucks the morning after.
If you are planning on doing it, do it in his room
Don’t wake your roommate up to let her know that you brought a boy back to the room to do the dance with no pants and don’t text her at last minute either. Respect that half of that room is hers and unless you give her a proper heads up don’t bring a guy or a girl back to your room. If it is going to occur often make sure she is okay with it and make sure she has comfortable alternative sleeping arrangements.