Having a roommate can either be a blessing or a curse. It seems like everyone has a different roommate experience. There are countless roommate horror stories posted online. Meeting your roommate can be a nerve-wracking experience when first starting college.
Sharing a living space with someone should not be the scary thing it is often made out to be. As someone who has lived with my random freshman year roomie for the past three years and got along great, I can confidently say that there are steps one can take to have a good relationship with their roommate. You never know, you may just become best friends with your roommate!
Perhaps the most important thing when it comes to living with someone is communication. If you don’t know how to communicate with your roommate, things are unfortunately doomed from the start. If something your roommate does bothers you, just tell them. They will most likely be considerate. Be careful to not sound condescending or rude when talking about disagreements. Make sure to be upfront and polite.
Another important aspect in getting along with your roommate is respecting their personal space. Different people live differently. You might not be used to your roommate’s living style but it is vital that you are able to accept each other’s differences and respect each other.
If you are unsure if something you are about to do will annoy your roommate, then just ask! There is no harm in asking. If tensions are high between you and your roommate, utilize the resources that are available to you. Talk with your RA and see if he or she can help you and your roommate get along.
Best of luck to everyone starting their first year of college!