You had high hopes for your roomie but things aren’t looking so great. Perhaps she may be categorized by one of the following 4 types of toxic roommates. Here’s some tips on bearing the burden of living with one..
1. The Mute: Would your roommate rather sit on her bed and watch TV than mingle and have fun? If yes, your oh-so-boring roommate could definitely hold you back from socializing, but don’t let her lack of excitement deter you from having fun! Make friends in clubs, classes, or on your floor.
2. The Thief: Is it a coincidence that your new shirt, or favorite nail polish color is missing? Maybe.. maybe not. If your misplacement isn’t a result of your messy habits, your roommate could be stealing. In this case, invest in a safe to hide your most valuable, prized possessions in. Also, make sure you address the problem. Ask her where she got that very similar shade of pink nailpolish. Putting her on the spot may force her to fess up, otherwise consider switching roommates.
3. The Slob: While you may not be a neat-freak yourself, you certainly don’t like to live in a completely trashed room. So if you roommate has no sense of cleanliness, kindly suggest she pay more attention to cleaning. If you are feeling generous, you can even offer to help her tidy up the room.
4. The Control Freak: If stubborn, inconsiderate, and selfish describes your roommate, you definitely are in for a rough ride. Having someone control everything, from the number of guests in your room to the wall decorations- this is no way to live. This is a roommate who simply doesn’t care what you want or need. If so, you need to communicate and show her that it’s not Her Way or the Highway.
If your roomie is defined by one of the above descriptions, here are some simples steps to living with her:
1. Make your voice heard: No matter how rude/selfish/quiet/inconsiderate/unfriendly your roomie may be, make sure you speak up about your expectations and needs. It’s just as much your room as it is hers.
2. Consider switching: The hectic move may be worthwhile if it means more friends and a better roommate. Ask your RA for the deets.
3. Don’t be discouraged: While you may think you’re out of luck, this doesn’t mean that you won’t find a perfect roommate in the near future. 4. Keep Calm and Get Through the Year: Remember that it is only for a year- you just have to get through it!