You did it! You’ve taken the big step of selecting a school, and now, you’re going to be moving to campus soon. You most likely will be assigned to live with a roommate or two—people you have never met! Living with roommates can be a great experience if you establish good communication and set boundaries early on.
Here are some tips to help you navigate roommate relationships smoothly:
Establish Open Communication Early
Introduce yourself through email or over social media and share basic info about yourself (e.g., schedule, preferences, habits).
Create a group chat (WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.) for easy communication.
Be honest and respectful about your expectations.
Set Clear Boundaries & House Rules
Cleaning: Decide on a schedule of responsibilities for chores (who takes out the trash, cleans common areas, etc.).
Guests: Set visitor policies (overnight stays, noise levels, etc.).
Shared Items: Clarify which items in your dorm room will be communal (toilet paper, spices, etc.) and which are not.
Quiet Hours: Talk about your and your roommates’ sleep and study schedules and ask that they be respected to avoid conflicts.
Be Considerate & Respectful
Keep noise levels down, especially at night.
Don’t use your roommates’ belongings or eat their food without asking.
Be mindful of shared spaces (clean up after yourself at the sink, in the bathroom, etc.).
Address Issues Calmly & Directly
If a problem arises, talk it over in person instead of texting, which can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Frame the issues you raise as “I” statements (e.g., “I feel uncomfortable when dishes pile up”) instead of accusations.
Try to find compromises that work for everyone.
Be Friendly, but Give Each Other Space
Look for opportunities to form bonds (e.g., watch a movie, cook together), but don’t force a friendship.
Respect each other’s alone time and personal space.
If All Else Fails, Talk to Your Resident Advisor (RA) or Housing Office
If conflicts become unmanageable, reach out to a neutral third party for mediation.
Add new comment