How to Survive a Roommate from Hell

Almost anyone that has gone away to college can admit to at least one bad roommate situation. Whether it is the simplest act of cleaning or they disappear for days, there is never a dull moment to living with another person.

Sometimes it is hard to approach a roommate so here are a few ways to help ease the awkwardness:

1. Does your roommate have their boyfriend or girlfriend over all the time?

College relationships make people inseparable and sometimes couples become distracted by their own happiness they forget about the roommate who has to put up with them being “cute” all the time.

Solution: Mention to them that maybe they could spend some time apart and that we should hang out-without the significant other. 

2. Your room starts to stink because your roommate has not done laundry in 3 weeks.

Solution: Say out loud that you are on your way to do laundry and if they want to go to. Almost always they will grab their own laundry and go with you. 

3. Or your room stinks because your roommate has not kept up with their personal hygiene. There really is no excuse for this. 

Solution: You can be direct and tell them to shower, brush their hair, or even brush their teeth. Or at least drop subtle hints. 

4. You are trying to get some sleep , but can’t because your roommate has all the lights on or is loud. 

Not everyone has the same sleep schedule, but there should be some compromises for this situation.

Solution: Ask them if they could quiet down or go to another room. If it’s the lighting have them turn on their desk light or another soft light. 

5. Comes back stumbling in the room after a night of fun.

Solution: Help them, they may be annoying, but you’ll be happy you helped. They will be overly thankful for to you. 

6. Your roommate never leaves the room except for class or disappears for days.

This may be odd, but it does happen.

Solution: Invite them places or encourage them to join different clubs. If they disappear, ask them gently on where they are going, just in case anything happens to them-at least you know their whereabouts.

7. They decide to bring weird creatures or animals into the room…

Okay, so it’s more than just a fish I’m talking about. It can be a cat, dog, random insect, etc.

Solution: It is usually against the rules to have any animals in the room. Ask your roommate politely not have an extra roommate. 

8. You and your roommate are friends, but they hate all your other friends.

It happens not everyone gets along with every single person, but there could be a compromise.

Solution: Make time for both sets of friends, not everyone will get along and it should not come down to picking sides. Maybe sooner or later there will be a middle point where everyone will get along.

9. Your side of the room is spotless… theirs not so much…

Solution: Set a cleaning schedule and hold those accountable for those who do not follow through. Have spring and winter cleaning events. Suggest helping them clean (only if you’d like).

10. Music too loud?

Solution: 1 of 2 ways. First, whoever was playing there music first can keep it on. Second, ask them if they could put headphones on.

If all else fails, talk to your RA! It’s their job to help you solve and fix any problems. Go to them first, before your friends, otherwise you look like the roommate from Hell. 

• roommate
• survival guide