Everyone has heard at least one "roommate from hell" story, but most students have little trouble living with their roommates if they are willing to follow eight very simple, time tested suggestions. 1. When filling out your roommate questionnaire, pretend you're doing it under penalty of perjury. Be honest, even if it means admitting that you listen to Britney Spears or admire Paris Hilton's intellectual curiousity. 2. Any communication you can have with your roommate before you move into your room is a good idea. If possible, meet for lunch or coffee in a place where you can begin to get to know each other; if not, there's always email and phone calls. 3. Consider putting together a contract covering the areas of concern you or your roommate have. He or she might want some guidelines about guests (none after midnight on evenings before classes?), you might want to be assured your room is kept fairly neat (no more than three pieces of clothes on the floor?), or you might want some rules about borrowing (please ask first?). A good contract will help avoid misunderstandings or conflict. 4. Keep in mind that your way is not the only way. It may not even be one of the ten best ways. Keep an open mind. 5. Keep the lines of communication open. If you talk honestly with each other and listen to each other attentively, you shouldn't have big problems. 6. Pledge that you will not complain about your roommate to your friends or family for a minimum of 3-4 weeks. Give him or her a fair chance. 7. If things are so bad that you feel you have to complain to anyone about your roommate, instead complain to him or her, as politely and tactfully as possible. If your complaint is reasonable, that may be the end of the problem. If not, it will at least begin a discussion. 8. Be willing to compromise and accept criticism. There are some legendary roommate horror stories. But, in reality, most students have very little trouble getting along with their roommates. And, following the guidelines above will greatly raise the odds that the same will be true for you.
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Everyone has heard at least one "roommate from hell" story, but most students have little trouble living with their roommates if they are willing to follow eight very simple, time tested suggestions.
Daniel Z. Kane is a dean at a medium sized southern university. He has created educational websites on subjects which include scholarships, financial aid, online colleges, and degrees online. Click here to get your own unique version of this article.
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