College roommates come in all shapes and sizes so it’s vital to know what to do to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are 10 tips to live with a college roommate guilt-free:
1. Be communicative.
Ensure you are aware of what’s going on in your room and outside of it. This way, there are no surprises and no awkwardness when it comes time to leave for classes or get ready for the day.
2. Don’t be territorial.
It’s important to respect your roommate’s space but don’t feel like you have to monopolize the bed or the closet. If one of you needs to move out, be understanding – it’s not personal.
3. Keep the space clean.
Don’t leave your dirty dishes in the sink for your roommate to deal with and ensure to clean up after yourself. This way, everyone is more comfortable and the living space is more pleasant to live in.
4. Respect your roommate’s privacy.
If you need to take a shower or have a conversation with someone outside of your room, make sure to let your roommate know first.
5. Don’t be a pest.
College is a time to explore and make new friends, not to deal with people who are constantly bugging you. If you need to talk, go to your roommate’s room or knock on the door – not through the wall.
6. Make sure your roommate has everything they need.
If you have extra supplies or items that could be useful to your roommate, bring them over so they don’t have to go out and buy them themselves.
7. Don’t hog the TV.
If one of you wants to watch TV while the other is studying, be respectful and switch off when you’re done.
8. Be mindful of noise levels.
Keep the volume down when you’re watching TV or listening to music and be aware of when your roommate is trying to sleep.
9. Don’t overstay your welcome.
If you have to leave for class or for any other reason and your roommate is not available to let you back in, be respectful and leave.
10. Have fun!
College is a time to experiment and have some fun but ensure to not jeopardize your roommate’s comfort or peace of mind.
