Having a roommate is almost a right of passage for most Americans in college. It could be the greatest experience of your life…or the worst. There are so many factors that go into being a good roommate. I made a list to help you beautiful people be the best roommate you can be!
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The Golden Rule
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The most important rule and a throwback to kindergarten is to treat others how you want to be treated. I know that sounds obvious but to a lot of people it really isn’t. When rooming with someone be sure to keep this saying in the back of your mind before you do something that could disrupt your roommate’s peace.
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Tidy up!
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Clean up after yourself! To be a good roommate you don’t have to be the cleanest person on Earth, you just have to be mindful of the people around you. Do your best to keep any mess on your side of the room and keep shared spaces clean!
*Pro tip: Try making a chore chart! Use it to assign jobs like cleaning the bathroom or taking out the trash and rotate it out. This will help keep the overall cleanliness of your space!
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Mindfulness
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Be mindful of what you say and how you say it. We all make mistakes, but learning about certain cultural aspects of your roommate/roommates can make for a more open and comfortable environment. Understanding that some words or actions could be offensive to them is something that needs to be addressed, so that everyone can live in harmony!
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Alone Time
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Understanding personal space is a very important part of being a good roommate. Everyone needs boundaries and being close with your roommate is great! However living with someone can already take a toll on a person. Not respecting personal space and only hanging out with your roommate could be a recipe for disaster. Do your best to give your roommate space once in a while, that way you both get some alone time before things get hostile.
I hope these tips help you be the best roommate you can be!
HCXO, Alanna