10 Tips For Getting Along With New Roommates
One of the most difficult challenges we confront in our late teen years is moving away from our homes and coming to college. University is like an adventure. You don't know what to expect[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"></v:path> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="officeArt_x0020_object" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;left:0;text-align:left; margin-left:-.5pt;margin-top:17pt;width:202.05pt;height:269.4pt;z-index:251659264; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:12pt; mso-wrap-distance-top:12pt;mso-wrap-distance-right:12pt; mso-wrap-distance-bottom:12pt;mso-position-horizontal:absolute; mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative:line' wrapcoords="0 0 21600 0 21600 21600 0 21600 0 0" strokeweight="1pt"> <v:stroke miterlimit="4"></v:stroke> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/MATTLA~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg" o:title=""></v:imagedata> <w:wrap type="through" anchorx="margin" anchory="line"></w:wrap> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif] from it. But every decision you make from your last days in high school until you set foot in the University of your choice, need to be well thought in order for your experience to be really life-changing.
After finally picking the college of your choice, the next big thing that comes is: where and who are you going to live with? This is one of the most daring questions as you will be sharing your living space and confronted with different people from a wide variety of backgrounds. That is why, this article will outline 10 tips for getting along with your roommates to make sure things are pleasant throughout the year!
[if !supportLists]1. Set and Follow Guidelines
It is important that from the start, you all agree on some guidelines. You will have to talk about the most critical everyday activities. The more things you can agree on, the sooner you’ll be bonding between roommates.
2. Address Problems When They're Little
Many times, little things are the ones that bug the most. If you find yourself stressed and annoyed about the same[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;left:0; text-align:left;margin-left:163.65pt;margin-top:-8.85pt;width:303.85pt; height:233.4pt;z-index:251662336;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square; mso-wrap-distance-left:12pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:12pt; mso-wrap-distance-right:12pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:12pt; mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin; mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' wrapcoords="0 5 21596 5 21596 21600 0 21600 0 5" strokeweight="1pt"> <v:stroke miterlimit="4"></v:stroke> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/MATTLA~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.jpg" o:title=""></v:imagedata> <w:wrap type="through" anchorx="margin" anchory="line"></w:wrap> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif] things that happen over and over again, then you should consider talking with your roommate because that may help her/him be aware of something they may not have otherwise known. And addressing little things is much easier when they are little than when they have grown and created a mad bubble.
3. Be Friendly, Without Expecting to Be Best Friends
Don’t expect you and your roommates to be the best of friends. Living together is hard. It comes along with disagreements, and one needs to be mature enough in order to understand that. Don't get me wrong, it may happen, possibilities are actually really high, but not expecting anything from the relationship will let you both explore some more.
4. Clean Up After Yourself
One of the most important things for a good relationship is cleaning after yourself. Sadly, your mom is not around anymore, and you are left alone with your mess. If you never clean up, you will get yourself the reputation of being a sloppy roommate.
5. Ask Before Bringing Guests Over
You must respect your roommates space in the apartment to avoid misunderstandings every time you bring guests over. If by any chance you did not have the chance to talk with your roommates, then host your guests in your room and tell them to respect the house rules.
6. Communicate Openly [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;left:0; text-align:left;margin-left:-.5pt;margin-top:16pt;width:218pt;height:290.65pt; z-index:251661312;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square; mso-wrap-distance-left:12pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:12pt; mso-wrap-distance-right:12pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:12pt; mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin; mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' wrapcoords="0 0 21600 0 21600 21600 0 21600 0 0" strokeweight="1pt"> <v:stroke miterlimit="4"></v:stroke> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/MATTLA~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image005.jpg" o:title=""></v:imagedata> <w:wrap type="through" anchorx="margin" anchory="line"></w:wrap> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif]
Communicating and letting your opinions be known avoids possible conflicts. It is always better to speak up and openly talk about what bothers you. You will need to be honest with each other and really try to make an effort in whatever it is they tell you.
7. Learn About New Countries and Cultures
We all know coming to college is all about diversity, so for those who have roommates from different countries, enjoy that cultural diversity! At the start you will probably experience some language and culture barriers, but you will learn a lot from being around each other. New music, vocabulary, food…
8. Sleep
Sleeping plays an important role in our physical health. One must respect each other’s sleeping schedule and habits as much as possible. Headphones do exist, and whenever you consider proper, use them to respect each other’s beauty sleep.
9. Respect Your Roommate’s Stuff.
Don’t borrow anything UNLESS you have asked and they really don't mind. It is important to get permission first. How would you feel if your roommate is constantly grabbing your things without telling you? My advice, don't even try. It is always better for each other to have their own space and if anything was to be needed, asking.
10. And Most Importantly, The Golden Rule
Treat your roommate the way YOU would like to be treated. You can take comfort just by realizing you acted like a grown-up and approached your roommate with deference.
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