The school year is quickly approaching and strangers from all over the world are being forced to live in the same room with people they've never met before, but it doesn't have to be a bad experience! Roommates teach students a lot about diverse cultures, backgrounds, personalities and lifestyles. It teaches young people, especially those who have lived at home for the majority of their lives, how to accept and appreciate differences. If things don't seem perfect right away, give it time, especially if you're going into your first year of college or boarding school. Roommate problems are often more negotiable than people make them out to be, and communication is key. Here are some things to work on:

1. Avoid constant complaining.

Venting to your roommate is perfectly fine when done in moderation, but don’t over do it. Being a good roommate means being considerate, and being considerate means reminding yourself that no matter how bad your day may have been, your roommate’s could have been worse. More than that, nobody wants to be surrounded by complaints all the time, especially in a space at school where one can separate him or herself from college drama.

2. Clean up after yourself.

If you have a late night and end up leaving dishes in the sink until the next morning, wash them before your roommate wakes up expecting to make eggs and realizes she can’t until the pan you used last night has been washed. Wipe your feet on the bath mat after getting out of the shower. Don’t spread your hair all over the shower walls. If you get crumbs everywhere, try vacuuming. Do your laundry.

3. Give your roommate space.

It’s nice to have someone to walk to orientation programs with, but you don’t have to do everything together; in fact, it’s better if you don’t get too attached. You don’t have to be best friends. Roommates who fling themselves into an inseparable friendship during the first few weeks of school often end up facing some serious communication issues later in the year. On that note, learn how to eat breakfast in the dining hall by yourself, go to the library by yourself, and go to school events by yourself. Nobody’s judging you, so don’t psyche yourself out.

4. Be considerate late at night/ early in the morning.

There’s nothing worse than a roommate who turns the light on when they come home at 3 a.m. or wake up at 6:30 a.m. to spend an hour doing makeup for an 8 a.m. class. You should both have a small desk lamp or phone flashlight to use when Roomie is sleeping; you can even cover the lamp with a t-shirt if it’s too bright and your roommate will appreciate the consideration. Don’t slam the door or your bureau drawers. Don’t finish an entire bag of chips. If you need to blow your nose, blow your nose.

5. Always ask.

Whether you want to borrow his/her top, cook his/her food, or invite people over to your room late at night, ask your roommate first. Chances are, your roommate will be less irritated with your somewhat irritating behavior if you ask to use her things before using them. The last thing you want is to have a conversation along the lines of, “Hey, are you wearing my shirt in your snap story?” and, “Did you eat the rest of my cereal?”