It might be challenging to live with someone new! I’ve had more than a few roommates over my college career, and some of them were my greatest friends. However, it’s not always easy adjusting to a new life away from home, and it’s possible to get on each other’s nerves at times.
However, you can do things that will make living with another person easier. So, here are ten recommendations for living with a roommate.
Understand the relationship first
Consider your college roommate as someone to get along with, not as your best friend. Unfortunately, first-year students place too many expectations on their roommate friendship to be more than it can or should be.
The main goal with a roommate is to live comfortably with them and work on your studies without any interruptions.
It’s a bonus if you make a close buddy out of it, but not all roommates become besties, and that’s okay. Living happily with your roommate and enjoying their company when you can is a fantastic result.
Be open-minded
Your roommate may be from an entirely different background. Along with this, they have other lifestyles, beliefs, and points of view than you.
Be open to this fresh perspective while being respectful. If you do, you will learn interesting things that could add some benefit to your life.
Respect their stuff
Although it may appear obvious, this is most likely the most prevalent issue that develops between roommates. Don’t ever assume if they won’t mind you taking their stuff, such as food. Before taking or using something that belongs to your roommate, always ask for permission!
Communication is key
Everyone communicates differently, so discussing and understanding yours ahead of time may save you from possibly fighting. It’s also crucial to consider how much communication you should have between the two of you.
If you’re a somewhat independent person, you might not want your roommate messaging you every few hours to check in on you. However, if you appreciate having someone know where you are, and it makes you feel comfortable, having a roommate who will check on you might make you feel better.
Keep it clean
Make it a regular thing to keep your room clean; this includes cleaning dishes, making your bed, doing laundry, and disposing of garbage. Living in a filthy atmosphere will not help in creating a good relationship.
Having a tidy area where you and your partner can live and study will not only make your life simpler, but you will enjoy your time together.
Know each other’s schedule
You might think that this doesn’t matter, but it could be beneficial to know each other’s schedules. For example, it’s helpful to know when your roommate’s class occurs, so you don’t have to text them.
Knowing their class schedule makes it easier to organize your day and identify when the room is free. In addition, knowing each other’s schedule is excellent for going to lunch together
Get to know them
To make getting along easier, you should discover some of their favorite hobbies. This can include favorite books, TV shows, or movies. In addition, it doesn’t hurt to find out other things they like, such as favorite foods or drinks.
Not only will this get the relationship off to a good start, but it also makes you feel more at ease living with a stranger as the year goes by.
It’s nice to discover a person that has the same interests as you, and it demonstrates a proactive approach to starting a friendship.
Conclusion
Moving out into the real world requires new interactions, and your freshman roommate may be your first relationship in college.
Most students will be living with someone entirely unfamiliar, so stick to these recommendations if you want to maintain a casual relationship with your new roommate.
