Let’s face it, roommates can be difficult. Some are easy to get along with; clean, organized and respectful. Others, not so much. There’s always at least one right? Maybe it’s all of them. Freshman year is hard enough – learning how to survive college, and being on your own. Do roommates really have to be this difficult. Sadly, sometimes yes. Don’t worry though, there are ways to help get used to them.
1. ESTABLISH A CHORE LIST
No one likes chores. They are annoying, not fun, and sometimes gross. Establishing a chore list will help avoid arguments that may steam in the future. Rotating it every week is recommended, and make sure there are enough for everyone to have one. Establish when they need to be done by so no one can simply put them off. When something isn’t done everyone knows exactly who hasn’t done what they had to.
Here’s a handy example and a link to how to create one. Click on the picture for instructions.
2. LABEL EVERYTHING
Need I say more? I will anyway. Labeling is another way to avoid headache and drama. Unless you’re a household who splits the pay of food, label all of your food in the most obvious ways possible. Not just food, but dishes, movies, anything that isn’t in your room, label. Anything without a label is known as “free game” when it comes to food. Rather be safe, then buying everyone’s food unintentionally.
Here’s a labelmaker that can be purchased for under $20 or a permanent marker is just as effective at a fraction of the cost.
3. SHARING A ROOM
The key here is mutual respect. Doesn’t matter if you like each other, or even hang out. Respect will make or break the year for both of you. What I mean by respect is to understand the fact that there are two people in the room. If there is hard core studying going on, headphones need to be in. Never assume there is a similar taste in music. It’s always better to ask permission then to seek forgiveness. If there is a mutual liking of music, great. Similar study habits, great. Make sure both parties are on the same page. Create rules so that there is no misunderstandings.
Or listen to Bad Bad Hats, everyone loves the Bad Bad Hats.
4. GOSSIP
Yes, this is more of a girl than guy problem, but it’s a problem either way. Roommates can be a bit hard to deal with at times. If there is a need to vent about your roommates either to another roommate or a friend, never do it in the apartment. Word will spread. Someone could very well hear what’s being said, even if it’s whispered. Plus if two roommates pair off, and go into another room, it’s obvious what’s going on. If there is gossip, or venting that needs to happen, go anywhere else. It’ll be better on all parties involved.
5. ROOMMATES DOESN’T MEAN FRIENDS.
Lastly, just because two people are roommates doesn’t mean they have to be BFF’s. Yes, roommates do become friends over time, but does this mean that everyone’s completely inseparable? No! Sometimes everyone needs some space from each other. Roommates especially. Don’t force what isn’t meant to be. Be somewhat sociable. Say hi, how are you, and simple things like that. Hiding in the bedroom won’t solve any problems. Be sociable, ask to join if their watching a movie, chit-chat over a meal of Ramen or Mac and Cheese. Roommates can get along great without being best friends.
Your Mac and Cheese probably doesn’t look like this.
These are some tips I developed from living in a dorm last year, and have heard from countless other. The main thing to grasp as roommates is to simply respect each other. If that can’t even be accomplished, fake it. When in doubt, faking is the best way to go. Drama will happen no matter what, best thing to do is to move on. Everyone’s an adult now, time to act like it.
Taylor Funk
Specialty Editor – Aggie Radio
Orientation Guide Introduction
USU Hidden Tradions
