Dealing with Roommate Drama

Going to university far away from home means you finally get to live on your own. No mother nagging you, no annoying little brothers, or sisters stealing your clothes. But, it does mean living with someone new… a roommate. 

Moving away can be an exciting time, but it can also be very stressful and difficult. Sometimes people get lucky and they become best friends with their roommate, but in most cases sharing a small confined space with a stranger can get overwhelming. 

It’s important to remember that your habits may be different from your new roomies’. You are going to have to adjust to one another, and that takes time. If you’re in a room with more than two roommates, then things can get really difficult. But don’t fear! If you’re having roommate problems, here are some easy tips to keep things positive and help you live peacefully with your new roommate(s). 

1. TALK!
The most important thing to remember is to communicate. From the beginning, it is important to go over rules or guidelines. For example, talk about what makes you comfortable and uncomfortable. Discuss how you want to arrange your room, decide what you want to share, or if you want to share things at all. 

2. Schedules.
Make cleaning schedules for who cleans what and when. Figure out who cleans the bathroom and who vacuums any shared spaces. Share class schedules too! So you each have an idea of when the other is in class, or free to grab some dinner.

3. Make time for yourself.
Alone time is important, you can’t be clinging onto your roommates arm all day, everyday. It’s important to have time where you can relax and get away when you need some space. 

4. But remember to make time for each other too.
Talk before you go to sleep, or maybe have dinner together at least once a week. Plan to go out together every once in a while for some bonding. Go out for coffee, a drink, shopping, play video games, watch a movie, or whatever you want! Just go out and have fun together.

5. Deal with conflict soon after it happens.
If you and your roommate have conflicts, which is bound to happen to anyone sleeping an arms length away from one another, then you need to let it out. That doesn’t mean getting into physical or verbal fights. Go by the 24 hour rule: give yourself 24 hours after any arguments to calm down and think about what you wan to say. Talk to one another about the disagreement, and work things out civilly. If you need advice, talk to your parents, friends or your residence fellow, that’s what they’re there for.

University is about academic, but it’s also about growing as a person, and learning about yourself. Don’t let fighting with your roommate ruin the experience. With these tips you can have a great roommate relationship, and hey, you might even become best friends! But if not, these tips are at least an easy way to have less drama, have fun, and enjoy your room.

Photo Source:
http://www.hercampus.com/school/georgetown/how-deal-roommate-drama
http://minkette.rebeccaminkoff.com/5-crazy-roommates-to-watch-for-in-col…