How to Get Along with a Roommate at College

When you decide to go to college, you’ll most likely have to share a room with another person, and this can be difficult if you’re not used to it. Sure, you grew up in a house full of people but sharing a bedroom with another person is completely different. It isn’t likely that you will be the same in your mannerisms such as tidying up or having a different style when it comes to décor. However, you don’t want your time at college to be ruined because you and your roommate got off on the wrong foot. Instead, use these tips and learn to get along with them.

woman wearing blue denim jacket holding book

Get to Know Them

The best way to know how to act around each other is to get to know one another. Most of the time you won’t know who your roommate is until you arrive at the dorms, which can be daunting on its own. Of course, it is going to be a little awkward to begin with but once you start talking about where the other is from and what they were up to before moving, you will find things will be easier. Maybe offer to go for a coffee to make it seem more sociable and relaxing instead of standing awkwardly in the dorm. You don’t have to become best friends, but this will allow you to respect one another.

Communicate with Each Other

One of the best ways of making sure you always get along is by communicating with each other. While you have to be good at conveying what you mean, you also have to be a good listener when it comes to resolving any issues. It’s always better to talk to your roommate than to go behind their back and complain to a friend. You won’t know if they have any mutual friends with you and it won’t look good if they find out.

Set Some Boundaries

It’s a good idea to set some boundaries with your roommate to make sure you don’t clash. You will want to discuss studying and when you are likely to need the room to be quiet. Then there is the fact that both of you might want friends over and that can become a distraction if you didn’t know about it beforehand. It’s better to talk about cleanliness and bedtimes beforehand instead of winging it when both of you might end up crossing a line.

three men laughing while looking in the laptop inside room

Solve Any Conflicts Peacefully

Some people don’t like confrontation, especially when their emotions aren’t in check. Instead, figure out a way to resolve conflicts peacefully such as writing it down in an email or text. It is much easier and allows you to get your feelings clearly written down before sending. Hopefully, you will be able to come to a solution if there are any issues, but if that still doesn’t work, it will be time to get someone else involved such as your RA. After all, they are trained to deal with that sort of thing and to find solutions.

Make Friends with Other People

If you don’t get along with your roommate, it’s not the end of the world. College is all about making friends, so go out there and meet new people who have something in common with you. Why not join a fraternity or sorority to get the full college experience and get a job as well. After all, college is meant to be fun, so don’t stress about it.

Hopefully, with our help, you will be able to get off on the right foot with your roommate. If not, don’t worry. You might become friends once you know each other more.