1. Don't lie about your habits.
Those roommate surveys they send out aren't for nothing. If you don't go to bed until 2 in the morning, be honest about that. You and your future roommate will thank you later.
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2. DON'T make a roommate contract.
I don't care what Pinterest says. That will start everything off on a bad foot, as if you are expecting to not get along with this person.
3. Be yourself.
Just because you and your roommate aren't twins doesn't mean you can't have a successful relationship/friendship.
4. Get to know each other in the first week. Talk about like/dislikes, pet peeves, etc.
The sooner you talk, the less likely you are to find something you don't like about the other person and get upset about it. If you find out early, you can respect what you are each comfortable with.
5. Don't force friendship.
Not all roommate relationships will blossom into best friendships or even friendships. Don't force it, if you guys are meant to be friends you definitely will. If you aren't, don't stress.
6. Find a common interest that you guys can use as the building blocks toward a friendship or at least to keep things from being awkward.
Trust me, you'll spend a lot of time with this person and if you don't find something to talk about, you are in for a very awkward 8 months.
7. Branch out.
Don't cling to each other just because they're the first person you knew. It is SO important to have friends other than your roommate because you will spend PLENTY of time with them.
8. Compromise.
Yes, it is your room, but it's their room too. Compromising is key.
9. Make an effort.
Don't just sit around and hope everything goes well. Be proactive and work on it. Relationships of any kind take work and you need to try to get to know each other and be comfortable with each other.
10. Have honest expectations.
Don't expect your roommate to be the perfect person because you aren't either. Everyone has quirks and flaws and the sooner you accept that the easier it will be to get along.
