One huge change that college students often have to adjust to is living with a roommate. If you are an only child, or never had to share a room before, it might take a bit to get used to living with a roommate. Here are some tips to make your living situation as comfortable and easy-going as possible.
DON’T EXPECT TO BE BEST FRIENDS WITH YOUR ROOMMATE
You might become best friends but don’t expect such a friendship to just happen because you’re living together. Be friendly and let the friendship grow from there.
RESPECT EACH OTHER’S PRIVACY
Unless explicitly stated, respect your roommates’ belongings. This means don’t eat their food, don’t use their laptop, and use your own toothbrush (yes, do not borrow someone else’s toothbrush). This also extends to who you invite over. Check-in with your roommate if it’s okay that you are going to invite a guest over, especially if this person is going to be sleeping over.
ADDRESS PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY GET TOO BIG
By addressing problems before they get worse, you can maintain a respectful relationship with your roommate before things get so bad that you’re no longer talking.
Living with a roommate is part of the college experience. By maintaining a respectful relationship with your roommate, you can make a life-long friend, or a foe that you’re happy to leave behind in the past!
Come back to the Future Blog for more articles on college and career success!