One of the most thrilling aspects of the college experience is the adventure of living with a roommate!

 

Sharing a dorm or apartment with a fellow student is like taking on a wild social experiment that can either be a match made in heaven or a comedy of errors. Don’t worry though!

 

In this article, we'll uncover the ultimate guide to navigating roommate relationships in college - the dos and don'ts that will help you keep the peace, maintain sanity, and maybe even form a lifelong friendship.

 

Buckle up roomie, grab your popcorn (or maybe some earplugs even), and let's dive right into the world of college roommates and uncover the secrets to having a successful relationship with your roommates!

 

We won’t bombard you with information that might not be helpful to you or perhaps simply unnecessary, so we will just present you with 3 do’s that will make your time along with that of your roommate a lot easier during college!

 

One of the key ingredients to a successful roommate relationship is open communication. Be willing to express your needs, concerns, and boundaries from the get-go.

 

Whether it's discussing study schedules, shared responsibilities, or personal space, being upfront and honest can prevent misunderstandings and foster a more harmonious living environment.

 

You have to understand that when you find yourself paired with a roommate, they have not necessarily had the same upbringing you did, no matter what that might look like, so communicate expectations and talk about anything you do not like without taking it to heart or making it a personal issue.

 

At the end of the day, everyone is just trying to get by!

 

Everyone needs their own space to unwind and recharge, especially with how packed college can be, exhausting are we right? That’s why you should respect your roommate's boundaries and privacy.

 

Avoid borrowing their belongings without permission and be mindful of noise levels, especially during study or rest times.

 

All you have to do is throw a little “Hey! Is it okay if I borrow this for a sec? I promise it’ll be quick!” guaranteed that should do it! You get to have what you want (9 times out of 10 at least), and you get to respect your roommate which will grant you the same treatment too!

 

Living together means sharing responsibilities. Take an active role in keeping your living space clean and organized. Create a fair division of chores, such as cleaning common areas, taking out the trash, or managing shared resources.

 

If you contribute equally, you can have a sense of fairness and mutual respect.

 

Even if you are not used to it, there is a first time for everything! Plus, it is always fun to gain new skills and that is what going through college means, you get to build your own person and gain the skills you were missing out on when you were living with your parents!

 

Embrace it!

 

Now that we know what you should do if you want to have a peaceful life within your living spaces in college, let’s talk about what could be a no-no shall we?

 

This means that you should avoid assuming that your roommate shares the same preferences, habits, or routines as you do. Instead, have open conversations about your expectations and find common ground. Making assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations.

 

This can also go back to communicating as we mentioned, but it is something to avoid doing if your goal is to communicate properly with your roommate!

 

You probably would not want anyone to assume things about you, would you? So just avoid the same when living with other people who are practically strangers to you. (Hopefully, by the end of the year they would not be if you use our tips to get along with them!)

 

Passive-aggressive behavior can quickly poison a roommate relationship. Instead of bottling up frustrations or resorting to subtle jabs or sarcastic remarks, address issues directly and honestly.

 

Passive-aggressive behavior only leads to misunderstandings and escalates tensions. Imagine a space full of young people who are all capable of being passive-aggressive, that probably would not end well would it?

 

And we all know how rigid the process is if you want to move to a new living space because more times than not, there are no other spots to move to, so why make it uncomfortable when you can make it peaceful?

 

Bonus tip friends, always choose peace!

 

Living in a college space usually lacks privacy as it is, you should always be careful with not to go through things that are not yours or invading personal space in any way shape, or form!

 

Curiosity might happen but you should still never take it upon yourself to take away from someone’s space! Trust and mutual respect are vital for maintaining a healthy roommate relationship.

 

You should trust them and they should trust you, that is the secret potion to getting along with anyone, not just college besties!

 

 

And there you have it, college folks! The dos and don'ts of roommate relationships in college served up with a side of friendly advice.

 

Remember, college is a whirlwind of new experiences, and living with a roommate is one of the most exciting (and sometimes challenging) parts of it all. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the twists and turns of cohabitation with grace and a dash of humor.

 

With these tips in your back pocket, you'll be well-equipped to forge a fantastic roommate relationship that will make your college years even more unforgettable. Keep them close!

 

Cheers to the ups, downs, and hilarious memories that await you both!