Tips on Having a Successful Roommate Experience

By Jordyn Austin on December 6, 2016

With the college experience comes the roommate experience. No one likes to have a terrible roommate experience, because this can ultimately affect the college experience in a negative way. Here are a few tips on the key to a successful roommate experience.

pinterest.com 

1. COMMUNICATE.

This is first and foremost when having any type of relationship with anyone. Whether you are just meeting for the first time, or having issues with something, it is so important to keep the lines of communication open. Whenever you have an issue or even an idea, sit down and get your roommate’s input with it. Make sure your roommate feels comfortable enough to talk to you about anything. Make sure you are answering their calls and text messages and communicating your plans or needs if it has to do with the house/apartment.

Face-to-face communication is also important. This may not be feasible all the time, but when it is make sure you opt to communicate this way because texting can lead to a lot of miscommunication. Communication is key to a successful roommate experience.

2. Create a list of expectations.

Each roommate will be different and have a different way of doing things, so it is best to lay out your expectations from the start. Organize a list of questions to ask them (i.e. cleaning, smoking/drinking habits, people that may consistently be in the home, sharing of food/objects, etc.). It is so important to ask these questions and have an understanding so there is no miscommunication down the line. Many issues can be avoided or solved if each roommate knew what they expected of one another.

3. Be able to compromise.

Compromise, compromise, compromise. Right behind communication, compromise is the next most important aspect of a successful roommate experience. When you are sharing a living space with someone, it is so important to remember that it is not just about you. It is very wise to “pick your battles” and be willing to do things differently than you normally do. If the issue is something you know you can solve, don’t be so set on having things go exactly your way. It may be a good idea to let go of the reigns for the sake of the household and not having tension among each other.

4. Shared bills must be a priority.

If you and your roommate split a bill (i.e. electric bill), that bill needs to be a priority. Don’t be irresponsible and stick your roommate with having to pay the entire bill themselves. This is also where communication comes in. If there is a time where you just don’t have the money, make sure your roommate is the first to know and make the appropriate arrangements with them.  Set reminders to pay the bills if you need to, budget your money, etc.  because your actions affect your roommate as well.

If none of these tips help, don’t shoot the messenger :) . It may be that you just got stuck with a really, really bad roommate. Be strong, be nice and stick it out as long as your health, safety and well-being aren’t being threatened. Hopefully these tips help you to have a successful roommate experience. Good luck!

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format