Just when you think you know everything there is to know about your roommate(s), they surprise you. Maybe one day while having breakfast together, you learn that they prefer waffles over pancakes and strawberry jam to strawberry jelly (because yes, apparently there is a difference). The point being that, had you not decided to eat breakfast together, this seemingly minor detail about your roommate would’ve remained hidden. No matter how long you’ve lived with your roomie, it’s important to keep discovering each other’s quirks and bonding activities are the perfect way to do so!
1. Family dinner:
Food has a lovely way of bringing people together. So what better way to bond with your roommate, than over a meal?! Consider cooking a dish together. You can divide and conquer: maybe one person is on stove duty, while the other tosses up a salad. At the bare minimum you can even eat microwaved ramen, but it only counts if you’re eating next to each other!
2. Spontaneous adventures:
This can be anything from late night food runs to browsing the snack aisle at the grocery store. Sometimes the most fun happens from something unplanned – no matter how mundane the activity might be.
3. Beach day:
You’re students at UCSB – if you and your roommate haven’t spent the day at the beach together, then you should go ASAP. You can tan, take cute pics, and pretend like you’re actually going to swim in the ocean because let’s be honest, the water is freezing!!
4. Pool lounging:
As if the ocean wasn’t enough, lying by the pool at the Rec Cen is just as nice, without having to worry about all the sand. Plus, there’s a jacuzzi if you want to make a spa day out of it too.
5. Shopping:
This one is pretty much a given. It’s an easy way to incorporate the guilty pleasure of buying stuff while also getting to know each other. You can see what your roomie’s fashion sense is like and laugh at the ridiculous pieces of clothing you find. It’s also a simple way to listen to one another’s opinions.
6. Venting sesh:
Heart to heart talks are a little underrated as far as bonding goes. You don’t even have to get super personal. Simply talking to one another about your day goes a long way. You learn to confide in each other and that’s always important!