Getting Off to a Good Start With Your College Roommate
Getting off to a good start with your college roommate can help make your college experience much happier. You’ll be spending a lot of time together, so keep these tips in mind to get along well with your new roommate.
Steps to Take Before Arriving on Campus:
1. Call your future roommate to get acquainted. Most colleges and universities will notify you in advance of who your new roommate will be. Call them up and introduce yourself. Let them know that you look forward to meeting them in person.
2. Use social networks to stay in touch. Check out their profile on Facebook or other social networking sites. You may learn some useful information, such as their preferences in music. You may also get a sense of their personality. Invite them to join your network.
3. Exchange photos. Find out what your roommate looks like. If you find it difficult to talk with someone you haven’t met yet, it may be easy and fun to send him or her pictures of your neighborhood hangouts.
Steps to Take While You’re Sharing a Dorm Room:
1. Communicate. The most important factor in any roommate situation is to communicate constructively.
* Even if you wind up socializing in different circles, make the effort to exchange daily pleasantries. Always be courteous and respectful.
* Address conflicts directly and tactfully. Creating a friendly atmosphere will make it easier to discuss the inevitable disagreements that arise.
2. Establish the basic house rules. Try to prevent major conflicts by developing mutually agreeable house rules. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find a level of neatness that satisfies you both. Discuss in advance your expectations about having company over in your shared quarters.
3. Be willing to compromise. Sharing a tiny dorm room requires some tolerance and willingness to compromise. Speak up when you have to, but strive to accommodate personal differences that don’t really impact your safety or well-being.
4. Be sensitive to different financial situations. You and your new roommate may come from very different backgrounds. Help each other to feel comfortable by proposing social activities that will not create an excessive financial burden.
5. Respect each other’s property. Treat your roommate’s property with at least as much consideration as you do your own. Ask before borrowing anything. Hold yourself responsible for anything your guests use or damage if you invite them into your shared space.
6. Get outside help if needed. Many colleges and universities will ask you to wait up until a full semester before reassigning roommates. It’s great life practice to learn to get along. However, if you see signs of serious issues like an eating disorder or substance abuse, it’s wise to consult a trusted older adult rather than try to handle it yourself.
A little common sense and courtesy will help you and your new roommate to get along. Even if you are complete opposites, you can be cordial and provide each other with mutual support. You may even wind up becoming life-long friends.
