Useful Tips for Living With New Roommates

By Charlene Vereen on June 18, 2017

Adjusting to someone new in your home is never an easy thing to do. You already have different arrangements and things that you would like to do your own way. Whether or not you find a roommate on your own or through the school, there are a few ways to manage this particular round of college induced anxiety and have a positive roommate experience because living with someone else can be sometimes challenging and awkward. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to make your rooming arrangements work accordingly. Being that we are adults, discussing with your roommates shouldn’t be too hard for starters. Try making a list that could sort out all of your differences. For instance, if you and your roommate share a bathroom it can easily become a conflicted situation. This situation can include cleaning the toilet or bathtub, or perhaps someone leaving their belongings around on the floor. Suggesting a basket in the corner of the bathroom can be considered reasonable for someone who prefers to leave their clothes behind after a shower. More useful tips would be:

 Pinterest.com

Discuss living arrangements before hand

Not everyone agrees with your idea of doing things, so before you put that painting up on the wall you should check with your new roommate on how they feel about it. Some things may come off offensive to others or considered offensive to someone else’s religion. If you don’t discuss things over with your roommate and claim most of the space leaving them to make due with the rest won’t be such a good start, although you may be excited to decorate try including some of your roommates ideas and you never know what you styles or ideas you may create together. So remember it’s best to chat before you move in so that things are agreed upon and no one has any problems.

Clean up after YOURSELF

This is considered to be one of the most important things to do when living with someone else. As adults, young adults we are often busy ourselves whether it’s studying, working, going to class, and for some traveling. Being that everyone has their own agenda it’s best to clean up your own mess and not make it inconvenient for someone else. For example, clean up your dishes when done with cooking, take turns taking out the trash, and keep the living area organized at all times. To make things simpler try agreeing to certain task that you guys plan on doing for the shared areas of the house, such as the kitchen, living area or bathroom. When everyone takes turn doing their part it leaves little room for conflict and more time for the things that you already have to do.

 pinterest.co

Be RESPECTFUL of your roommate’s things

Now, I would like to think that everyone knows not to touch someone else’s belongings without first asking. You should always keep an open mind of someone else’s stuff. This goes for touching, replacing, or taking something that isn’t yours. Even if you plan to borrow something you should always ask your roommate first so that they know that you have it. Understanding that you share a space with someone is major because if some of their things come up missing your already a potential candidate because you live with them. Also make sure to discuss the shared foods if you plan to share any; eating the last of someone else’s food is never a great idea so try to be respectful and always ask, the worst someone can say to you is no.

Discuss the Rules of  Visitation

Having a friend over every once in awhile is okay, but having several at a time all hours of the night is a big NO NO. It’s important to discuss the rules of visiting so that no one is uncomfortable with the idea of people being over. Be reasonable and mindful to your roommate’s request because who wants to constantly ask someone to keep it down, or constantly reminding them that they’re studying so just remember to be considerate. Even when hosting events a friendly reminder to what your planning is never a bad idea.

 Overall, living with someone else is never going to be a full on easy job, but with respect and consideration for others it shouldn’t be too hard either.  Contain a positive attitude and a friendly smile and you will get along with them just fine. Discuss anything that may be of a concern to you and always keep an open mind about someone else’s ideas. Try keeping some of these things in mind when it comes the time to move in, it will definitely make the move easier while at the same time getting to know and understand the differences or similarities that you guys may possess as individuals.

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