In my freshman dorm, I became best friends with a girl down the hall. Sophomore year, we decided to share an apartment with 2 other girls, and then junior year we were out on our own. Being roommates with your best friend always sounds like a perfect idea, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of shacking up!

YOU’LL LEARN NEW THINGS ABOUT HER

You thought you knew everything about your best friend – but you don’t really know EVERYTHING until you live together. You’ll learn about her weird eating habits or about how she blares music while doing work. You’ll learn about how much she loves her family through their weekly Skype calls, and about her dedication to school when you see how hard she’s really working. These things don’t always come up in conversation, but you will pick up by being in the same space as her.

YOU’LL DISAGREE ON THINGS, BUT IT’S OKAY 

You might have disagreements regarding what goes in the dishwasher or when you can leave the windows open. My best friend and I both were born in different countries, and it’s surprising how many stereotypes came to life regarding how we both live day to day. We differed in ways we completed our chores and in the living habits we had. Even though we were best friends, it’s difficult to cope when it’s “your” space too. It’s important to remain flexible, and to know when to let things slide.

YOU’LL STILL NEED TO MAKE TIME FOR EACH OTHER

Just because you’re now living together doesn’t mean that you will spend more time together. While we were in college, my best friend-roommate and I got busier and busier as time went on, and even though we may say hi in the morning, we were spending much less time hanging out. Get out of your apartment together, and still make an effort to go do the fun things you did before you were roommates.

Being roommates with your best friend can either end up being an excellent idea or a disaster. I was fortunate that my best friend-turned-roommate and I stayed friends, even though I decided to move out on my own senior year. Hopefully, it’ll only bring you closer together!

(Feature image via Daily Mail)