Strategies for Happy College Roommates
Just when you think you're finally on your own, you move into a college dorm and are introduced to your new roommate. Ideally, the relationship between the two of you will last a year, so it's up to both of you to keep the lines of communication open and lay down some ground rules from the beginning. Here are some things to consider:
1. How much sleep do you get on most nights? More specifically, do you go to bed late or get up before dawn? If you find that you differ in sleep patterns, decide on a common time for the room activity to die down (or begin in the case of the morning). Remember, common rooms are available elsewhere in the dorm to meet with friends or study. The person who needs the sleep should be able to expect a quiet room.
2. What's mine is yours? Be careful if you naturally adapt that old adage when it comes to the food, clothes, office supplies and sodas that your roomie has stashed away on the shelves. Communicate ahead of time what you both are willing to share.
3. How many people can sleep in one dorm room? The more may be merrier, but maybe you're roommate isn't into waking up with all of your cousins on the floor every weekend. Romantic visitors pose an even stickier situation. Set some ground rules about what you think is fair when it comes to overnight guests.
4. How will cleaning be handled? If you're both neat freaks, all the better. However, you could easily find yourself in an "Odd Couple" situation in which one is n eat and the other is slob around the dorm. Be honest about which you are so your roommate will be prepared when reality hits. Divvy up things like taking out the trash and cleaning the floors from the beginning to avoid surprises.
5. Find a solution to problems as they arise. If your roommate and you simply can't get your bathroom schedules coordinated, perhaps buying a make-up mirror for your desk is the solution. Other than bathing, you could do most of your other grooming elsewhere. If the light is on longer than you'd like at night, buy a sleep mask. Not enough closet space? Look into boxes that fit beneath your bed. You get the idea.
Once you've discussed these things, there's not much else to argue over. However, there are times when you've done all you can do and need someone else to step in to moderate. That's where your RA (Resident Advisor) can come in handy. If you really think that your roommate situation is prohibiting you from enjoying your first year at college, go to the housing office on campus and discuss a new living arrangement with them. This is a great time in your life, do all you can do to keep it that way.
1. How much sleep do you get on most nights? More specifically, do you go to bed late or get up before dawn? If you find that you differ in sleep patterns, decide on a common time for the room activity to die down (or begin in the case of the morning). Remember, common rooms are available elsewhere in the dorm to meet with friends or study. The person who needs the sleep should be able to expect a quiet room.
2. What's mine is yours? Be careful if you naturally adapt that old adage when it comes to the food, clothes, office supplies and sodas that your roomie has stashed away on the shelves. Communicate ahead of time what you both are willing to share.
3. How many people can sleep in one dorm room? The more may be merrier, but maybe you're roommate isn't into waking up with all of your cousins on the floor every weekend. Romantic visitors pose an even stickier situation. Set some ground rules about what you think is fair when it comes to overnight guests.
4. How will cleaning be handled? If you're both neat freaks, all the better. However, you could easily find yourself in an "Odd Couple" situation in which one is n eat and the other is slob around the dorm. Be honest about which you are so your roommate will be prepared when reality hits. Divvy up things like taking out the trash and cleaning the floors from the beginning to avoid surprises.
5. Find a solution to problems as they arise. If your roommate and you simply can't get your bathroom schedules coordinated, perhaps buying a make-up mirror for your desk is the solution. Other than bathing, you could do most of your other grooming elsewhere. If the light is on longer than you'd like at night, buy a sleep mask. Not enough closet space? Look into boxes that fit beneath your bed. You get the idea.
Once you've discussed these things, there's not much else to argue over. However, there are times when you've done all you can do and need someone else to step in to moderate. That's where your RA (Resident Advisor) can come in handy. If you really think that your roommate situation is prohibiting you from enjoying your first year at college, go to the housing office on campus and discuss a new living arrangement with them. This is a great time in your life, do all you can do to keep it that way.
About the Author:
Jim Kline is a college counselor currently working on an online degree in educational administrator.