As if moving to a new state and gaining a new sense of independence I can feel the excitement beaming from you. However, I’m sure the thought of having a roommate can feel a little nerve wrecking as well. Moving in with a complete stranger is a whole nether ball game and trust me I get it! Here’s how to make your dorm life a success!
Break the Ice Early
Start the bonding as soon as possible! This is completely optional but has a 95 percent success rate. Nine times out of ten your school provides you with the name and email of your roommate and if you haven’t picked a specific roommate, consider reaching out before the semester starts and Break the Ice. Get to know one another, talk about cleaning habits and what activities they’re most excited about. You guys have a lot to connect to and at the end you have each other! You never forget your first roommate. So, with follow each other on socials, text more and more often to build the excitement for when you guys finally meet.
If you were like me and moved in late or didn’t get the chance to formally meet your roommate on the first day of class and was stuck with a shy and reserved roomie don’t be discouraged! Not all of us are open books and it takes time for some to put their wall down. Be patient and take baby steps, start with “HI’s” as you run into each other, go to the café together, ask them to join you at events on campus, you two will be attached at the hip in no time.
Set Boundaries & Expectations
Keep In mind that you guys are coming from two completely different households. She or he may trash the room throughout the week and only clean on Sundays or you may prefer to keep the room as neat as possible to avoid trashing the room. You see how that might conflict? Communication is vital! Setting your boundaries as roommates should be one of the first conversations you have with one another. Inquire about their cleaning habits, how often they like to clean, or how well they adapt to noise, how do they feel about sharing. Getting this conversation out the way will prevent A LOT. Keep open communication throughout the semester and do so in a respectful manner as time goes on, we can get a little comfortable and say things that may come off a little rude
don’t have any expectations!
Something doesn’t go as planned and that’s okay! Maybe you got assigned a one bedroom or you’re not as close to your roommate as you expected no matter what you do. Not every roommate’s situation turns out picture perfect and that’s okay. As long as you keep a healthy and cordial environment with one another.
College is all about building your education and new experiences. Enjoy it while you can, and these tips will help make you experience smooth and enjoyable.