����app

Before your first year of college begins, it’s important to start thinking about your roommate options. If the college you’re attending allows you to choose your roommate, take the time to select them carefully. If you’re assigned a roommate, try to connect with them beforehand.

Living with someone, especially someone you don’t know, can be challenging. Sharing a dorm room may feel difficult at first, but with some effort, it can become manageable (and even enjoyable). Not all first-year roommates create conflict; some may even become lifelong friends.

Here are five tips for successfully sharing a space with a new college roommate:

1. Show Mutual Respect

Sharing a small space means you’ll need to be considerate of each other. This includes avoiding habits like leaving clothes on the floor, letting dishes pile up, leaving trash around, blasting TikTok at full volume, inviting people over without notice, or touching your roommate’s belongings without permission. These behaviors can build resentment and create an unpleasant living environment for both of you.

2. Create a Roommate Agreement

Don’t wait three weeks to realize your late-night habits are disrupting your roommate’s early-morning schedule. To avoid misunderstandings, have an open conversation early on about expectations. Discuss (and consider writing down):

• class times and sleep schedules
• when you’ll need the room for studying
• guest etiquette and expectations
• which items are available for shared use
• shared responsibilities like cleaning common areas or taking out the trash

Creating a roommate agreement you both stick to ensures that one person doesn’t feel like they’re doing all the work.

3. Get to Know Each Other

It’s challenging to live with someone for nine months without knowing much about them. While you don’t have to become best friends, getting to know your roommate (even a little) can help reduce tension. You’re both entering a new environment and likely have more in common than you realize.

Grabbing food together, walking each other’s schedules, watching a movie, or simply chatting about your day can help build a comfortable relationship with your roommate.

4. Communicate Openly

If there is an issue that you need to address, don’t ignore it. If your roommate is doing something that bothers you and it can be resolved, bring it up. If you feel your boundaries aren’t being respected, have a conversation about it.

Remember, your Room Advisors are there to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them for guidance when needed.

5. Pick Your Battles

That said, everyone has their own way of doing things. If you hear yourself thinking, “Why can’t they just do things how I do it,” frustration (and resentment) could start to build.

Before confronting your roommate about their habits, ask yourself: “Is this really a big deal? Does it affect our ability to coexist?” If the answer is no, let it go. Not every issue is worth a conflict.

First-Year Roommate Strategy

Compromise is essential when living with someone; sometimes, it won’t go in your favor, and that’s okay. Respecting the person you’re living with is crucial, especially since college is already stressful enough. You don’t need unnecessary tension where you sleep.

For a smooth transition into your new environment, set clear boundaries early with a roommate agreement. By getting to know each other, communicating openly, and showing mutual respect, you can make the best of sharing your space with your first college roommate.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ����app Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

��