Going to college can be scary for several reasons. We all leave home for the first time, and for most of us, that means living with a roommate for the first time. Horror stories are common, like getting a roommate that you completely don’t get along with, or someone who is unbearably messy and unhygienic. Then there are the happy stories of the roommate relationships that really work out. My freshman year roommate and I live together to this day and are still best friends. We went directly from the dorms into our sorority house for two years and will finally live on our own together next year. For roomie love like ours, try following these five easy guidelines.
1. Clean up after yourself.
No one likes to live in a pigsty, and if you do, keep it confined to your private space. When you make or buy food, don’t leave the dishes hanging out for your roommate to clean. Most likely, they won’t touch them. The same goes for laundry. No one wants to stare at your dirty socks hanging out next to the couch for a week, so throw them in the wash, or stick them in the hamper. Most importantly, keep the bathroom clean. If you shed in the shower and clog the drain, clean it out. If you spill toothpaste on the sink, wipe it up. Be courteous to your roommate, and they will do the same to you.
2. Respect each other’s privacy.
If the bathroom door is locked, that means your roommate is busy! DO NOT bang on the door until your roommate has to climb out of the shower, so you can brush your teeth. If your schedules clash that much, plan ahead. Compare class schedules, and figure out if you both need to shower at the same time, and take turns going first. When it comes to the bedroom, it’s wise to knock before entering; otherwise, you might see a little more than you are comfortable with.
3. ALWAYS ask before borrowing.
No matter how much your roomie says they don’t care if you borrow a pair of shoes or some milk for your morning cereal, it’s always polite to ask first. It shows that you respect their belongings and don’t want to take advantage of their giving nature. The last thing you want to fight about is her being late for a presentation because she was looking for a blouse you borrowed. Bottom line: it’s their stuff. The more you ask, the more willing they will be to let you borrow things.
4. Have your own life.
Everyone is scared of being alone, especially freshman year, but that doesn’t mean you should cling to your roommate. Have separate groups of friends, and take different classes – anything that will help you stay independent. If you and your roommate become known as Mary-Kate and Ashley, then you probably have a problem.
5. Talk about your problems.
No matter how pleasant or respectful you are, you will always experience problems with your roommate. When you live in such tight spaces, issues are inevitable. When problems do come up, talk about them. Don’t put off the conversation. Just like in any other relationship, communication is key. Even if you thing it’s small and stupid, the only way the issue will improve or go away is by talking it out.
No matter what your living situation is, we all have to deal with roommates, and we probably will for a while after college. So it’s incredibly important to learn to live with other people. I always strive to be someone that people would want to live with. If you can’t stand to live with yourself, how is someone else supposed to?
(Photo credit: Shannon Dittemore)