Roommates
Hey guys…
With September approaching my guess is that some of you may be having some anxious feelings about your future roommates. Moving from a luxurious bedroom that you probably have all to yourself into a 12’ by 12’ room that you’re gonna share with a stranger can cause some uneasy feelings. Dorm rooms have given a new meaning to the phrase “too close for comfort”. I think we’ve all probably heard our fair share of horror stories, but usually, they’re just that, stories. In many instances, your freshman roommate, often becomes one of your closest friends. From my personal experience, here are a few strategies to get the two of you off to a good start.
I would first suggest contacting your roommate before you even move in. Not only is this a good way to get to know each other and lay down some ground rules, but you can also discuss the things you are bringing to school. The last thing you want is a room with two microwaves and a DVD player but no refrigerator or television. Planning ahead can avoid wasting space in your tiny dorm room.
The most reasonable thing you can do as a roommate is to follow the golden rule. It may sound childish, but being respectful of the person you live with is often overlooked. Little things, like asking before you borrow personal items, can make a big difference. Extending a little courtesy is the best way to ensure a positive relationship with your roommate.
If you do run into an issue, it is best to address it as soon as possible. Communication is the key to a successful relationship with your roommate. Don’t wait for the issue to snowball into something larger that it has to be. If you address an issue early on, it will be much easier to solve. Your roommate may have no idea what they are doing is bothering you, and a simple request may be all that is needed to solve the issue.
Have any of you dealt with a difficult roommate situation? How did you deal with it? Any strategies work better than others?
Play nice,
Tom
I had a roommate who snored.....loudly. It was absolutely impossible to sleep in the same room. After throwing pillows, pens, remote controls, and anything I could get my hands onto, I discovered earplugs. Nothing but Z's after that.
Reply to this
I just moved in to my room at school. I get along fine with my new roommate, but we have two totally different lifestyles. He is a night owl and is up late every night. I am a morning person. I am expecting some issues with room expectations. I don't want to be kept up all night, and I'm sure he doesn't want to be woken up early every morning. How do we make this work without driving each other crazy?
Reply to this
I’m with you Tom! Roommates are great, if you get the right one. Every college allows you the opportunity to fill out a roommate selection form or even meet your roommate at orientation, but I was to lazy and I chose not to do either…If you’re going into college DO IT! I’m an athlete and I was first paired with an non-athlete that liked to stay up late, have people over in our room, play music when he was getting up in the morning…AAAHHHH. Take advantage of the form or pick your roommate yourself, try to find common ground… Peace
Reply to this
I'm stuck in a quad when it was supposed to be a triple room. Ridiculous. The guys are alright, but this is going to get old. They dropped the cost by 400 bucks. Like that was going to help.
Reply to this
This is good information. I found your website very interesting.
Reply to this
At this time last year I was accepted early action to my first choice UNH. I strated browsing the class of 2014 facebook page and 'meeting' lots of accepted and committed students. I met one kid from CT and had a lot in common with him. We talked alot and met live at orientation in June, and got together over the summer. We already knew each other really well by the time move-in day came in August. It really took the stress out of the whole 'starting college and moving out' process. Requesting each other also really decreases the chances of being put in a triple. It has been a great first semester and we have become the best of friends, and excellent roommates!
Reply to this
This is a great blog. Keep the great work and information.
Reply to this