Having a roommate in college is a different experience for a lot of people if you are not used to sharing a room with someone it can take a while to get used to. I love my roommate because we compliment each other and we have a mutual understanding of one another and our living space. Having these attributes are extremely important in a roommate relationship.
Some people may struggle with roommate issues so here is a list of do’s and don'ts you should keep in mind if you have a roommate.
DO: You should always ask your roommate if you could use any of their stuff, do not just assume that because you live together everything can and should be shared. Being respectful and asking before you take something will build a level of trust in your relationship.
DO: When you first move in, come to a clear understanding of things. Who is going to do what chores? Do they feel comfortable with other people coming over? Are they clean or organized most of the time? Who will buy toilet paper? These can seem like simple questions but they are really important to make sure that you both are comfortable with your living space.
DO: Get to know one another, if you are going to be living with this person it’s important to know what they do/don’t like and vice versa. You can build a lifelong bond from this relationship if you guys get along well enough.
DON’T: Go through your roommate's personal things. Regardless of what it is, if you wouldn’t touch it in front of them, then don’t touch it at all.
DON’T: Be rigid and inflexible. If you are your roommate are having a minor disagreement find ways that you can compromise, this way everyone can be happy.
DON’T: Sweat the small stuff. Decide what’s worth worrying about and what is not. Pick your battles wisely and make sure you understand the situation fully before you bring anything up that could be confrontational.
Hopefully, these tips help. Having a roommate can be one of the best experiences in college! Use these suggestions to ensure that your living experience is as comfortable as possible.