How not to have a homicidal relationship with roommates L et’s face it, one of the scariest things
about heading off to college and living on campus is having to live with people who aren’t a part of your immediate family. For anyone who has ever had a “random roommate”, it’s safe to say that living in close quarters with someone else is a drastic change. Living with a roommate or roommates is a big deal. Many of us have been fortunate enough to find that person who makes sharing a living space a joy, but nevertheless, not everything is always roses and rainbows. Dilemmas will arise or perhaps they already have, but unless your roommate has an unhealthy obsession with road kill and taxidermy, living peaceably is not impossible. One of the golden rules of living with a roommate is communication. As cliché and overrated as the saying has become, communication is indeed key when it comes to sharing space with another person. As much as you believe passive aggressiveness is the path of least confrontation, you have to remember that people are not mind readers. If a particular habit is bothering you (as in your roommate uses your half of the room as a place for dirty clothes or uses your towels after he or she showers) talk to them. Communicating your woes with your roomie in a non-aggressive manner will ensure your roommate doesn’t think you’re a bitter harpy who just wants to make them miserable. The way in which you communicate your issue will subsequently decide how the whole situation
plays out so, remember to avoid condescension and rudeness when addressing a problem. Whether you’re roomie is your best friend or just someone you share a room with, it’s important to make sure you keep up roommate decorum. Cleanliness is one of the major predictors of peaceful living. Picking up after yourself instead of leaving an aftermath of what looks like a hurricane, but was really just an indecisive wardrobe day, is essential in making sure your roommates don’t begin to resent you for being a slob. It’s perfectly OK to do that in your space—as long as any perishables are safely thrown away— but in shared space it’s expected that everyone make an effort to keep things clean and, well, livable. With that said, always remember that you are not the only one sharing the living space. Blasting music and the telly at all hours of the night or having hoards of people in your shared space all the time to socialize is rude and disrespectful. Keep in mind that just because you’re a night owl doesn’t mean your roommate is as well. Send a text message asking if your roomie wouldn’t mind a few friends stopping by to watch a movie or have dinner.You can’t expect people to be comfortable with a group of your friends forging around in your shared space if it’s suddenly sprung on them without notice. Think about it. How would you like it if your roommates did that to you? Living peacefully with a roommate is a beautiful thing, but sometimes going
beyond the “rules of good roommating” makes for an even better experience. Don’t be afraid of conversation. Asking your roommate how her day was or what she is doing for the weekend are great ways to get to know each other. It establishes familiarity and makes the living situation more homey. It’s always nice to know someone cares. You and your roommate might not hang out 24/7, but make an effort to do a few things together. Make dinner or bake together on a weeknight if you have access to a kitchen, or even plan a weekly thing where you both meet up to grab a meal. If you share a love for “Glee” or “American Idol” sit and watch together or plan a movie night. Dedicating a little time each week for each other will ensure that you build a platform of trust and amicability. The options are endless when it comes to bonding with your roommates. You simply have to take the initiative to plan something with them. Plan workout times together or a weekend venture off campus to the mall or beach.Your roomie will appreciate your effort and it won’t hurt that you’ll have fun as well. Just keep in mind that living peacefully with your roommate will make your school experience better and remove some of that stress you’ve been harboring.
Nikki Torriente
Class of 2013 Years living on campus: 3 Years living off campus: 0 Housing Guide 2012-2013 19