A survival guide to living with a roommate

Even if you don’t think it will be, moving in with a roommate is quite a culture shock.

I had a room to myself almost all my life and was nervous to be sharing it with someone else. I knew the person I would be rooming with, but we were from different towns and had only known each other for barely a year, a week of which we had actually spent together.

However, I have found that having a roommate has been one of the best experiences of my life. I really enjoyed sharing a room and having someone to hang out and talk to whenever, and we’ve become closer friends because of it. I know this isn’t the case for everyone, however. So, here are some more tips on how to at least survive having a roommate.

1. Don’t share everything. I have heard plenty of stories this year of roommates sharing clothes and food and then complaining because they never saw their clothes or all of their food was eaten. There are certain things that you can share, but don’t make a habit of sharing everything, else you’ll regret it.

2. Don’t room with your best friend. As amazing as it may seem, oftentimes it doesn’t work out. You get sick of each other and it can lead to a ruined friendship. If you want to see your friend all the time try to request to live on the same floor. My best friend and I do, and it’s been a blast.

3. Remember that you are sharing a room. That means being respectful to each other. This is not just your room, so do not leave dirty clothes or dishes sitting around wherever. Set ground rules at the beginning of the year, even if you think you won’t need them (you will). However, also realize that sometimes your roommate may want the room to themselves, so be respectful if they ask you to leave for a few hours.

4. Do not force your roommate to be friends with you. Friendship will come naturally if it is meant to, but don’t get offended if they don’t want to do stuff with you or share your interests. We are all different. However, always try to make an effort to invite them to things so they don’t feel left out, even if you know the answer will be no.

5. Get used to having a roommate. You will be having one for the next four years of college, possibly longer. If your first year doesn’t work out, don’t give up on it. Find someone that you want to room with next year and look forward to that.