Orientation Guide • 31 The Columbia Chronicle
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How To Handle New Roommates by Kyra Senese FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE:
GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER:
Treat your roommates as you would like to be treated. Most roommate squabbles can be avoided by simply showing one another common courtesy. Cleaning up after yourself, refraining from making excess noise on school nights and warning your roomies before you invite a bunch of people over are just a few simple ways to facilitate a happy and healthy roommate relationship. BE OPEN-MINDED: Not everyone is looking to be best friends with their roommate. It’s great to establish a friendly relationship with fellow dorm-dwellers, but be sure to make friends outside of your dorm to ensure that if tensions arise you can go elsewhere to blow off some steam if tensions are high. Columbia is home to approximately 10,000 talented and creative students from across the globe, so get out there and find new friends. Don’t limit yourself to the other kids who live on your floor.
SOUTH LOOP CLUB BaR & GRILL
Managing Editor
While it isn’t required that you become attached at the hip with your roommates, becoming acquainted certainly won’t hurt anyone. Even if you live with a randomly assigned roommate or just don’t have much in common, getting to know each other early on can be beneficial in the long-run. Try to develop an approachable relationship so that communicating both of your expectations remains easy and clear throughout the school year. MAKE EXPECTATIONS CLEAR: Be upfront from day one. Being completely honest about your likes and dislikes from the beginning will help avoid conflict later in the semester. If chores seem like they could become overwhelming, decide on a routine or schedule to make sure your room doesn’t become the smelliest in the hallway. If you have morning classes, politely ask your roommate not to make a lot of noise on school nights when you’re sleeping or cramming for a test. These simple conversations can save you stress and help maintain a positive relationship throughout the school year.
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Orientation Guide • 31