New Year, New Roommate

By Alyssa Palmer on August 30, 2012

Whether you’re an incoming freshman or someone who’s experienced the interesting life of having random roommates, there’s always a common ground; you need to prepare to live with someone you do not know. It’s terrifying to live with someone you’ve never met, especially in a city you’re not used to yet. If you’re an incoming freshman, then your chances are much slimmer of getting someone with no compatibility to you, than when receiving a random roommate pairing once you move into an apartment complex.

Photo by Jono Rotten via Flickr.com

Think about it in the sense that Florida State’s campus is going to be filled no matter what, if anything they always have an overflow of freshman with no dorm chance. Apartment complex offices aren’t going to be receiving an influx of students in comparison to student housing, so they fit you in an apartment regardless of your compatibility. So given the different circumstances listed, I have come up with a bullet proof way of getting along with your new roommates regardless the difference in personalities.

First, you have to be able to set ground rules. For those of you living in a dorm, you need to do this immediately because living in such a confined space for two individuals things can turn more passive aggressive than mediated. I say this meaning; it will be easier for the both of you to do little things to annoy each other instead of confronting the problems at hand. I know this from personal experience, trust me. For those of you living in apartments, it’s much easier to approach one another due to the space given with living arrangements. You are not confined in the same room as one another. Ground rules will save you from many unnecessary fights between you and your roommates.

Second, lay down all of your pet peeves for each other. This way you never have to worry about doing something that bothers your roommate and then starting a massive conflict between you two. This step will come in handy several times, especially if it’s not a random but a friend you plan on living with.

Third, try your best to keep all common rooms clean. Those of you in dorms, this would be the sink and making sure your floor isn’t packed with last week’s clothes. For those of you in apartments, try your hardest to clean your dishes and not leave food out overnight. These little things can help avoid major arguments that will definitely form in the future.

Fourth, make a little time for your roommate. Try your best to spend quality time with them; it’ll help form a mutual respect for each other even if you don’t become best friends. The only exception to this rule would be if you honestly cannot find anything you two have in common. Then you can at least say you have tried.

Lastly, the most important rule to make sure to follow; whatever happens, you have to respect your roommate’s space. If an issue of these criteria ever arises, think “how would I feel if I was in their position?” This quality, once mastered, will help you in everyday life. You’ll be able to learn how to let little things go.

After this checklist, get out there and make new friends. Get to know your roommate and have the best year someone could ever ask for!

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