Tips for Living with Roommates in College



One of the most daunting things about going off to college is the thought of living with a roommate who is a complete stranger. You could end up great friends — or your personalities could seriously clash. You need to prepare yourself for any possibility.

Try to Be Friends — But Not Best Friends
Reign in your expectations now if you’re planning to become best friends with your roommate. There is always the chance that this will happen, but it is still better to aim to be good friends and avoid disappointment.

Talk About Your Sleep Schedule
Discuss until what time it’s appropriate to have the lights on and what time you’ll be setting your alarms to wake up. Be sure to ask about the snooze button — a roommate pressing snooze multiple times in the morning makes it even more difficult for you to stay asleep.

Plan Bathroom Use
Plan a schedule for showering on weekdays to ensure you always get to class on time. Also talk about where you’ll keep and how you’ll label toiletries and personal items to make it obvious that they belong to you.

Manage Noise Issues
Decide how you’ll manage if one of you wants to talk on the phone while the other is studying. If you find that Fanshawe College accommodation is loud in general, consider purchasing a sound machine. This is also useful to have if your roommate snores. Alternatively, purchase some earplugs.

Avoid Bad Odors
Talk about whether you and your roommate will be eating in your room. You may like to just banish strong-smelling foods, but another option is to mask any odors with air freshener.

Deal With Problems As They Arise
If anything is bothering you, bring it up with your roommate right away. For instance, if your roommate is bringing people over when you’re trying to study, address it. You may be able to plan such time to go to the library. Simply being annoyed and expecting your roommate to notice, however, is a recipe for disaster.

An alternative option is to not live with a roommate at all and to look for houses for rent near Fanshawe College instead. If you still want the experience of living with other students, choose Residence on First. You’ll have your own room in a suite and share the main areas with just a few other students, all of whom will be matched with you according to your interests and personalities.

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