When it comes to roommates, not everyone is as lucky as I am. I posted on the “Pitt Class of 2018” Facebook page before freshmen year and found one of the most amazing people I have ever met. I won’t go into all the sappy details, but basically I owe a lot to my roommate and I’m not sure there’s any way I could ever repay her for all that she has done for me. My roommate, our (now) housemate (I just call her my roommate too because she basically lives with us too) and I are pretty much the tres amigas, the three musketeers, the three little pigs (actually ew, we are very clean) but you get the idea.
But we all know even the best of friends can go through rough patches. Here are some tips from The Roommate Book by Becky Simpson to keep you “sharing lives and slapping fives”!
1. Share with your roommates
You probably already know this one but it’s important! I have asked to borrow my roommates’ clothes for every occasion from house parties to career fairs to meeting the bf’s parents. But don’t just share clothes. Share experiences, advice (parents can be pretty smart sometimes), the burden of your writing class. If she is your roommate then she wants to listen and help you feel better!
2. Make a tradition!
This is one of my favorites. Other than coming up with super cute group Halloween costumes I don’t think my roommates and I really have any traditions but I am open to suggestions. Every “Pi” Day you bake a pie together? Every first day of Fall you go to Starbucks and embrace your inner basic with a PSL? Maybe every time one of you has a big accomplishment you go to Waffleonia for Nutella ice cream!
3. Confront your roommate when there is a problem
I know this is actually one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life, but last year it really needed to happen. There were some tears and a lot of uncomfortable silences but we were a lot stronger afterwards. Ships need maintenance and friendships are no different. Better yet, don’t wait until it is a big issue; as long as you are kind it is likely your roommates will accommodate you. (If you are happy, the whole house is happier!)
4. Thank your roommates
Last year I washed my roommate’s dishes for her and she really appreciated it. Having her say thank you really meant a lot to me and it was nice to know that my small deeds were noticed. (And if I haven’t said it enough, thanks for always emptying the dishwasher!)
5. Make time for each other
Whether it’s a night in or a night on the town every relationship falls apart if you don’t spend time together. You can stay in and watch a movie (praise that we have a real TV this year), go out to a party or go out to an event; Pittsburgh has so many cool things to do at night! Even a trip to the grocery store together or a walk through Schenley Park is a good way to catch up and let your roommate know you love them and appreciate their friendship.
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