Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could live with our best friends? Unfortunately, roommate assignments rarely work out so well—but hey, at least it’s a right of passage for almost all college students. Just in case you and your roommate aren’t as compatible as you would have hoped, here are some tips for getting through the long days.
5. Split Chores: Make sure you’re not the one always cleaning (or always making the room dirty). Schedule time to clean up the fridge and vacuum the floor. Try your best to keep side of the room considerably clean. Remember, it’s a shared space and splitting the responsibility will make your friendship easier.
4. Ask Permission: If it belongs to your roommate, you have to ask. A shirt, a splash of milk, her eyeliner—it doesn’t matter. Asking shows respect and reminds your roommate that you are considerate of her items. Plus, she will most likely return the favor.
3. Compare Schedules: This way, you and your roommate will know when you can plan of having the room to yourself. This will help you plan your own schedule and also allow you to be considerate of your roommate. If you know she has a 8:30 am class the next morning, you’ll know ahead of time to not plan on hosting a movie night or playing loud music well into the night.
2. Compromise: It can’t always go your way. Try to make decisions by splitting the negative consequences evenly. And if you get something your way, the next time be sure to let your roommate have the final say.
1. Communicate: If there is a problem, address it. Don’t let it get out of hand. Your roommate will appreciate your honesty. This will allow for an open relationship in which either of you can share your feelings about different situations. Conversations can spare you from meaningless passive aggressive wares, like each of you adjusting the thermostat when the other leaves the room, or issues with chores. Communication means less awkwardness.