This is very important. One of the MOST important things in my book. If you and your roommate don’t have a mutual understanding of how you go about your life, then it just ain’t gonna work out. My roommate and I never had issues with each other because we compromised on stuff. Here are a few things you should know for when you get your roommate:
1) Don’t take their food/drinks unless they say it’s okay, and even if they don’t mind, don’t use eat/drink ALL of what they have. They let you share it, not steal it.
2) If you bring girls/guys back, give them fair warning. A friend of mine walked in on his roommate multiple times while he was in bed with some chick. I’m sure none of you want that, so send a text being like “hey, I need the room if that’s okay” so they have fair warning.
3) If you have a boyfriend/girlfriend and they come to visit, you’re more than likely gonna want the room for the weekend/night, whatever. Make sure that is brought up well in advance, and that your roommate is okay with leaving the room. (and also, make sure you lock the door if you’re doing the deed. You’ll have friends who will just open your door and walk in whenever they want, and no one wants that)
4) If your roommate is studying/busy with schoolwork, leave the room to talk on the phone/talk on the webcam. If you’re listening to music, put your headphones in. It’s distracting and if they did it to you, you’d probably be annoyed. Besides, most of the time they probably don’t wanna hear your full conversation. Mostly, just ask before you do these things and you’ll be fine.
5) If you have earlier classes than them and have to get up earlier, try to be quiet. If you’re making a shitload of noise, your roommate’s gonna wake up and well, that sucks.
6) Don’t be a pig. If you’re messy, whatever. Just make sure your mess is on YOUR side of the room and you don’t have clothes in the middle of the floor.
7) Obviously don’t use any of their stuff without asking unless you both are cool with taking stuff from each other. My roommate and I pretty much were but I’d always ask anyway and vice-versa.
If something’s bothering you, don’t be afraid to tell them. Just be nice about it, obviously.
To sum it up: If you respect them, they’ll respect you. If you have issues with your roommate that can’t be resolved, then talk to your RA about getting a room swap. It sucks if you are put in that position, but take care of it early and you’ll be alright.
September 30, 2011
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