It’s not uncommon to share a house or apartment with at least one other person during college to cut costs as much as possible. Sometimes you might even share your living space with three or four other people as well. It could get tricky figuring out a balance between school and your social life, but also keeping your home a civil and healthy environment. Here are five tips to keep in mind while making living arrangements.
1. Pick roommates with similar interests as you
Your roommates don’t have to be your best friends, but it is helpful for them to share similar interests with you. Being able to make simple conversation while in passing about that show you both love or a club on campus you both share an interest in can help unite you as roommates and not feel like strangers in your own home.
2. Don’t let conflicts progress
Arguments and disagreements are bound to happen. Keep cool and have a roommate meeting before things get out of hand. You can discuss all of the issues at hand and make sure you can resolve them., since no one likes to be uncomfortable and have bad vibes flowing through the house. The best thing for everyone is to settle disputes as fast as you can. Be sure to listen as much as you speak!
3. Learn to share
Before moving into a place, you should definitely discuss the mutual household necessities like cleaning supplies, dishes and silverware, and chores. If you are sharing a television or a washer and dryer, you should also discuss when people want to watch a certain show or what days work best for them to do their laundry. Compromising can take you a long way and avoid unhappy roommates.
4. Participate in chores equally
The garbage truck only comes by once once a week, so if no one takes it out you are out of luck. Making a schedule of who takes it out each week will assure equality and that it doesn’t accumulate and smell. Dishes are another big activity that could result in annoyed roommates. Do your dishes in a timely manner, and if you can’t, make sure to let everyone know that you are aware of the mess and will take care of it as soon as possible. Your roommates should be reasonable enough to understand that college life gets very busy.
5. Make time to hang out
Even if you and your roommates aren’t super close, getting together to watch a movie or going out for frozen yogurt every once in a while gives you the chance to catch up on each other’s lives. The bonding time is not only a good break from studying, but it also gives everyone a sense of community. College is exhausting and sometimes scary, but having roommates that understand what you are going through and that can go through it with you can make this whole experience easier.
If you have any other tips from your own experience on living with multiple roommates, let us know and leave a comment below!