Whether you pick your roommate or go random, a good roommate dynamic is necessary. You're not required to be best friends with them, but if you don't get along, it makes for a very tense and uncomfortable living environment. These are some tips that could help make living with a roommate more bearable!
1. Be considerate.
If your roommate has a test, headache, or wants to go to bed early, you should definitely be considerate. Don't make loud noises or leave the lights on. If you want to listen to music, wear headphones, and if you need a light, use a small desk lamp and face it towards yourself.
2. Respect boundaries.
Your side of the room is yours, and their side is theirs. Make sure that you respect the space as a whole, but more importantly, that you maintain your side of the room and keep it clean. Don't leave all of your stuff around the room because its always uncomfortable to call someone out, especially someone you're living with.
3. Don't take without asking.
Living in close quarters with someone is an adjustment. Sometimes, you find yourself taking your roommates things without asking. Whether it be a shirt, a granola bar, or even a tissue or pen off their desk, its imperative that you ask if its okay. Its extremely rude to assume you're entitled to their stuff just because you're living together.
4. Get to know them.
It's totally okay if you're not best friends with your roommate. Sometimes, you're just very different people. Despite the differences, you should really try and get to know your roommate. Its always awkward living with a stranger, but even worse when the person stays a stranger for the full school year.
5. Communicate.
Things aren't always going to be perfect when you have a roommate. You need to make sure you communicate with them when you're upset or appreciate something. You should also always know where they are going and tell them where you will be, just in case of an emergency, also so no one gets worried if they come back to the room and find you missing.
Hopefully, your roommate will respect all of these tips and do the same for you as you do for them. Otherwise, I'm sorry for you. At least you can pick a different roommate next year!
