I don’t think many things can prepare you for the wonders of living with a roommate. Some people experience horror stories while others create friendships that last a lifetime. Last year I lived with three girls I’ve never met before, and it was the best time of my life! I definitely learned a lot, but also made three new best friends in the process. Here’s a list of 10 different things I think will help you survive this semester with your new roommate(s)!
- Communication is key
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You’re finally adults: this means communicating like one. Create group chats with your roommates, go out with them for food, invite them to events around campus, and tell them about things that bother you about the place you’re living in. Instead of being petty when they forget to take the trash out, just tell them. It’s that easy and can solve a lot of future conflicts!
- …But this doesn’t mean that you always have to hang out with them
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Sometimes you have your own plans, and that’s okay. You’re not obligated to hang out with them all the time just because you live with them. It’s perfectly fine to be alone and indulge in your own activities!
- Keep things clean
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This sounds pretty easy, but not many people understand how important this is when living with others. One helpful tip is to create a monthly chart for chores! If you describe yourself as a messy person, try to leave the mess in your own room. And on the off chances you do leave a mess elsewhere, clean it up as soon as possible. Trust me, there’s nothing enjoyable about sticky countertops, awkward confrontation, or floors that need deep cleaning.
- …But don’t be obnoxious about it
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We get it; your cleaning habits might be more intense. Just remember that not everyone is perfect and that chances are, they’re probably trying their best to make this living space more pleasant for everyone! Pro tip: Always make sure someone isn’t taking a nap before you start vacuuming, you’ll thank me later.
- Exchange emergency information with each other
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Exchange emergency information like phone numbers, food allergies, or which family member to call in case something happens. Another thing my roommates and I did whenever we went out to a party was we came up with a code word. This specific word would be an emergency word for us to get out of the party if one of us felt uncomfortable. Small things like that help!
- If you have someone staying over, let your roommates know
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It doesn’t matter who’s staying, and how long they are staying. You’re not asking for permission, you’re just letting everyone know.
- Headphones are life savers
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Need I say more? You can listen to anything without having an angry roommate tell you to shut up!
- Respect each other’s schedules
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Share your class schedules with each other. If you have an 8 a.m. and your roommate is sleeping in, it’s probably best you don’t slam every door in your path. And if your roommate has an important exam they have to study for, definitely don’t have a floor party that night. Respect the schedules. My roommates and I created these individual charts with sticky notes on them that listed activities we typically do during our day. For example, going to work, studying on campus, going to class (you get the point). All these sticky notes were customized for each of our days, and we placed these charts on the fridge and placed a magnet on whatever activity we were doing at the time. These charts were super helpful to know where everyone was, and it was also a really cute piece of decor to add to our space!
- Be wary of smells
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Be mindful of the aromas in the place. My roommate was allergic to strong scents so whenever she went out, I’d take the opportunity to spray some air freshener and make our place smell better. By the time she got home, the air freshener wouldn’t be as strong and she wouldn’t feel sick.
This includes smoking. Even if you’re smoking in your room, trust me, your roommates are getting a good whiff of it from the vents! Just be mindful: crack open a window, or resort to smoking outside!
- Just go with it!
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One thing about having the experience is that even with all the advice I give you, nothing can prepare you enough for what’s to come. So, just have fun with it! My main takeaway is to communicate and enjoy your new roomie(s).
Oh and please fill-up the Brita filter. It will save you from all of those awkward conversations.