When beginning life in a college dorm with a room mate, the transition can be difficult and scary. You can go from either living with a ton of siblings and knowing how to easily share, or having it be the first time you've ever lived with anyone relatively your age. Here are some hints and tips that can (hopefully) help you avoid the Roommate hell that so many people suffer and make it so you have the most pleasurable life in the dorms as possible.
1.) Be Open and Clear from the Beginning
Make sure your room mate knows whatever pet peeves and little things that could become issues if they aren't watched out for. Do you need a certain amount of time in the morning before anyone speaks to you? Are you a night owl or an early bird? Making sure your room mate knows these little quirks about you will ensure that they more than likely wont become a huge issue down the road. Will they pick up on and remember all these little things right off the bat? Of course not. But as long as they're made aware there shouldn't be a huge problem in the long run.
2.) Address Things when they're Little or Big
Don't wait to address little problems that arise. When you avoid the problem, it can escalate and cause major problems for you and your room mate down the line. If the problem has progressed to a larger scale, or some large problem arises, be sure to address those as well. Don't let problems remain unfixed for long periods of time.
Make sure your room mate knows whatever pet peeves and little things that could become issues if they aren't watched out for. Do you need a certain amount of time in the morning before anyone speaks to you? Are you a night owl or an early bird? Making sure your room mate knows these little quirks about you will ensure that they more than likely wont become a huge issue down the road. Will they pick up on and remember all these little things right off the bat? Of course not. But as long as they're made aware there shouldn't be a huge problem in the long run.
2.) Address Things when they're Little or Big
Don't wait to address little problems that arise. When you avoid the problem, it can escalate and cause major problems for you and your room mate down the line. If the problem has progressed to a larger scale, or some large problem arises, be sure to address those as well. Don't let problems remain unfixed for long periods of time.
3.) Respect your Roommates Belongings
Don't borrow, take or use anything without their permission first.
4.) Watch how often and who you're Bringing to your Room
You may love having friends over, but your roommate may not. If problems arise, you and your roommate should always discuss it and make sure both of you are in the best situation for yourselves.
5.) Always Lock your Doors and Windows
This little thing can cause huge issues down the line. No matter how far away you'll be from your door, always lock it behind. The three seconds it took you to go give your friends jacket back who lives down the hall could be the three seconds in which your roommates laptop gets stolen. Keeping your windows and doors locked is key to your campus safety.
Don't borrow, take or use anything without their permission first.
4.) Watch how often and who you're Bringing to your Room
You may love having friends over, but your roommate may not. If problems arise, you and your roommate should always discuss it and make sure both of you are in the best situation for yourselves.
5.) Always Lock your Doors and Windows
This little thing can cause huge issues down the line. No matter how far away you'll be from your door, always lock it behind. The three seconds it took you to go give your friends jacket back who lives down the hall could be the three seconds in which your roommates laptop gets stolen. Keeping your windows and doors locked is key to your campus safety.
6.) Be Friendly, and don't come into this living situation expecting to be Best Friends
Be friendly with your roommate, but also try to have your own social groups outside of those which your roommate runs with. You may come into a roommate relationship and become close friends, but there is also a large chance you wont.
7.) Be Open to New Things and Be Open to Change
Be open to whatever your roommate might be a part of as a part of life. They may be from some place you've never heard of with different customs from you. Remember to respect and be open to whatever they may bring in to the home. As the semester progresses, realize things will change for both of you. Be comfortable addressing things that unexpectedly come up, setting new rules, and being flexible to your changing environment.
Sit down and take the time to set up some rules and restrictions that will make you both most comfortable in your living situation. And always remember to follow the Golden Rule and treat your roommate how you would like to be treated.
Resources:
http://home.howstuffworks.com/community-living/5-dorm-tips-first-time-roommates.htm
http://collegelife.about.com/od/beforeyouarrive/qt/roommatetips.htm
Be friendly with your roommate, but also try to have your own social groups outside of those which your roommate runs with. You may come into a roommate relationship and become close friends, but there is also a large chance you wont.
7.) Be Open to New Things and Be Open to Change
Be open to whatever your roommate might be a part of as a part of life. They may be from some place you've never heard of with different customs from you. Remember to respect and be open to whatever they may bring in to the home. As the semester progresses, realize things will change for both of you. Be comfortable addressing things that unexpectedly come up, setting new rules, and being flexible to your changing environment.
Sit down and take the time to set up some rules and restrictions that will make you both most comfortable in your living situation. And always remember to follow the Golden Rule and treat your roommate how you would like to be treated.
Resources:
http://home.howstuffworks.com/community-living/5-dorm-tips-first-time-roommates.htm
http://collegelife.about.com/od/beforeyouarrive/qt/roommatetips.htm