Can’t live with them, can’t live without them
Roommates: To some, this word may come with great memories and experiences with friends; yet to others, it may bring back some daunting stories. If you are as lucky as I am, you have found people to live with who respect you, protect you, accept you, and make your college experience easier. To others, living with roommates may be difficult, whether it’s because you and your roommates don’t get along, or simply because you’d rather be alone.
If you find yourself looking for roommates or trying to find ways to make your relationship with your current ones better, here are some tips to get through this incredibly stressful situation.
Get to know them: Take the time to have meaningful or fun conversations with the people you want to live with or are already living with. It would be uncomfortable to be around someone all the time without knowing the simplest things about them.
Respect the space: In each common room of the house (including kitchens, bathrooms, and closets), divide up the space so that everyone feels included and comfortable. Along with this space, do not touch or take anything without permission. Whether or not your roommates are your best friends, setting up guidelines builds respect within your living space.
Clean up after yourself: No one wants to live among dirt and filth. If it helps, divide up chores among you and your roommates and switch up the cleaning duties every so often.
Speak up: If something is bothering you in regard to your living situation or relationship with a roommate, say it. It’s your house, too, and you should feel comfortable living there. Within the first few days of moving in, set up guidelines, rules, or expectations for the house and for one another. This way, everyone is on the same page and you can set the foundation for a healthy and conducive environment where everyone feels comfortable.
Split the costs: College is expensive and so is living on your own. My suggestion: Have all of your roommates download the payment app Venmo so no one feels like they are putting out too much money. Make sure this is reflected through your bills as well.
Family dinners: If you don’t spend the majority of your time with your roommates like I do, make it a point to set aside time with them every so often. Eating together could be a chance for all of you to catch up—especially if you do it on a regular basis.
Although grades and extracurricular activities are important in college, having great friendships is, too. College is stressful and it goes by quickly, but having friends or roommates makes this turbulent time easier and more fun. Besides, who else are you going to go to MRT with?
