Having a roommate is tough, and sometimes being a roommate is even tougher. But there ar bbbbbbe things you can do to make it better.
Here are 10 ways to not annoy the heck out of each other this school year:
1. GET TO KNOW YOUR ROOMMATE
For starters, familiarize yourself with their habits and schedule. Ask them questions like, “Are you a morning person or a night person?” and “What are some of your pet peeves?” Take the time to get to know them and you may realize you have more in common than you think.
2. BE FLEXIBLE AND COMPROMISE
Communication, communication, communication! College is a great time to practice communicating and compromise, which means meeting your roommate halfway to reach an agreement.
3. CREATE A CONTRACT
Whip out the Notes app on your iPhone and make a contract together. It can clarify everything from quiet time to cleaning duties to sleepovers with your respective partner(s). Talk about how you will all resolve issues and what happens if a roommate doesn’t follow the contract.
4. RESPECT SPACE
Since you are sharing a space with someone else, setting boundaries is important. You are spending a lot of time with each other, so it’s important to give each other your own space and respect each other’s belongings.
5. BE HONEST
Don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind. If you keep it to yourself, the issues will grow into bigger ones. It’s better to talk and resolve them early.
6. LEARN HOW TO RESOLVE A CONFLICT
Conflict with anyone you have a relationship with is natural, especially if you are living together. When you disagree, it’s important to know how to resolve the issues peacefully. Be calm, respectful and take turns listening to each other!
7. MAKE YOUR SPACE A HOME
Buy some posters, a rug, and plants. Add some personal flair. This will be your home and you want to make it fun and inviting for you, your roommate, and guests.
8. YOUR ROOMMATE IS NOT YOUR MAID
We are all adults here and we need to clean up after ourselves. Pick up clothes off our bedroom floors, do the dishes, tidy up common spaces and the bathroom. Making up schedules (see #3) is a perfect way to make it fair.
9. SHARING IS CARING
We all borrow things. We take care of them and then we put them back when we are done with it. If we use it up, we let each other know and replace it, but you and your roommates need to be on the same page when it comes to what is OK to borrow. When it comes down to it, always ask.
10. DO THINGS TOGETHER
Cook dinner or meal prep. Get food together, go to a show on campus, watch T.V., or host a party! Do something that brings you together and these bonding experiences will help build that relationship so that you can live together instead of living separate lives.
Living with a complete stranger can be difficult, but follow these tips and you’ll be good to go!
Are you looking for a roommate, or do you want to meet new vinas at your school? Start swiping here!
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