Whether you’re living with long-time friends or complete strangers, the first few weeks with your new roommates can often be weird, exciting and everything in between! You’re probably going through a lot of changes and adjustments, especially if it’s your first time living away from home. This means that being comfortable in your new living space is crucial. Here are ten tips on being the best possible roommate, and to ensure a happy and successful year as a Golden Hawk for both you and your roommates!
1. Setting ground rules and boundaries
Lay everything out as soon as possible (preferably on the first day)! It’s always important to set ground rules beforehand to avoid future conflict and chaos. I know it might feel weird to have such a formal conversation with girls you’re friends with or just getting to know, but it is so necessary! If you address the things that might make you uncomfortable or ones you need in order to be happy in your new home, you will be so glad you did in the long run. This could include chores, which items you want to share, what you consider personal, a touchy subject when you need your space, safety practices, and anything else you think needs to be addressed!
2. Keep everyone’s schedules in mind
Posting your schedules on the fridge might be the best strategy!
If you know your roommate has a late class and doesn’t have time to make dinner, make some extra for them! If they have a class early, turn down your music and let them sleep! It’s the little things that will go a long way in making your relationship stronger.
My roommates and I did this on the first day, and although we’ve never had to use them (thank goodness), they could definitely come in handy! Post a list of emergency contacts in your kitchen. Whether it’s parents, friends, a S/O or anyone that could help in case of an emergency, have the numbers ready!
Everyone loves a good dance party or sing along, but you have to know the time and place for it. If your roommate is studying, sleeping or just under the weather, be mindful of how much noise you’re making! You don’t want them to have to come tell you to shut up, do you? Another pro tip, when you have a special someone in your room, move the bed frame off the wall that you share with a roommate. (You know, in case you guys want to jump on the bed or have a pillow fight or something.)
The number one thing that I’ve heard students struggling with is managing their food and eating habits while away at school. As a result, not discussing how to divide up the food in your fridge with your roommates might lead to a lot of tension. How else would you know what’s off limits and what isn’t? For example, if someone finished my Wilf’s leftovers without my permission I would freak out, however, the countless boxes of cheerios my mom sends up are fair game. You can never go wrong by simply asking!
6. Be able to do your own thing
As fun and convenient as it is to go out or just hang with your roomies, don’t feel obligated to always go everywhere together. Get together with some old friends, make new ones, even have some alone time! This way no one feels forced to hang out with one another, and it will ultimately bring you closer and make the time you spend together better!
I cannot stress this one enough! Communicate!!! If something is bothering you, say it right away instead of waiting until the problem gets bigger and blows up in your face! You can’t expect everyone to be a mind reader, and sometimes people are simply different and may think something is okay when it isn’t for you. Being able to tell your roommates what’s on your mind will surely make your relationship stronger. This also applies to acknowledging the good things your roommates do. If you notice that someone did all the dishes, say thanks and recognize the work that they did! This will make everyone want to contribute more and will overall create a healthy environment.
This is probably one of the most important points of the article. Being a supportive roommate is the only way the others will feel comfortable being themselves. Your home should be a place that’s free of judgment, and personally, I’ve realized that it’s so hard to be happy and confident without a full-time support system. There’s nothing wrong with giving advice, but let them make their own decisions!
Besides, we’ve all carelessly drunk texted the guy we promised we were done with for good the last time, right? Shit happens.
Once again, feeling comfortable is everything. In a place where we’re constantly surrounded by students and all kinds of people right outside our doorstep, there will always be a need for privacy at some point. Make sure to always knock before going into someone’s bedroom. You might know that they’re just watching a show or at their desk doing work, but I can definitely vouch for the fact that some people simply need to feel like they have a place to go when they want to be alone.
It never hurts to send out a group text before bringing someone over. If it’s late at night and I’m going to the bathroom in a big t-shirt and my underwear, the last thing I want to do is bump into my roommate’s boyfriend on the way there. Maybe if I got a warning text I’d consider pants. Probably not though.