How to Become Friends With Your Roommate

There are a lot of roommate horror stories out there. Don't be one of them! Use these steps to become friends with your roommate and have a good relationship that can last throughout college.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Avoid rooming with a high school friend. I know what you're thinking, "I want to live with someone I know and like." Chances are, it won't work out. The majority of high school friends that live in a dorm room together don't stay friends for long. You already have too much history together. It's time for someone new.

2. Get to know your roommate before you meet face to face. When you get your roommate assignment, a university will probably let you know who you'll be rooming with along with contact information. If you don't feel comfortable calling, email him/her. By doing this you can get to know each other and sort out who is bringing what. You don't want to end up with two microwaves.

3. Think about the first meeting. You'll probably be meeting your roommate during the unpacking process. Take this time to talk. Comment on your roommate's pictures, posters, or anything else you may find interesting. It's a good way to break the ice.

4. Make plans to have a meal together. It doesn't have to be right after your first meeting, but sometime within the first day or two.

5. Explore the campus. Get your schedules and find out where your classes are going to be. Take note of all the interesting places in-between.

6. Go shopping together for your dorm room. If you get on campus and realize that you forgot something, see if your roommate wants to go with you. They probably forgot something as well.

7. Meet your neighbors. Bring your roommate with you when your meet your neighbors. It will be easier, plus meeting your neighbors is something you want to do anyway.

8. Set ground rules. Once you've gotten to know your roommate a little better, try to set down some ground rules. Write down a list of things that are/are not allowed in your dorm room. Set quiet times for studying and specific times to clean. This will help both of you out throughout the year.

9. Have a weekly get-together. Spend at least an hour or two a week to just spend time together; just the two of you. If that means, talking about any conflicts you may have, going out to eat, watching a movie, or even discussing your classes, it's a good way to stay close.

10. Know when to give space. Like with any friendship, you need to know when you're pushing too hard. You both can't spend every minute together. You need some time apart to be with other people or to be by yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk about any problems you may have before it gets out of hand.
• Try taking a walk to clear your head before confronting your roommate about something. You might realize that you're just overreacting or perhaps you're the one in the wrong.
• If you can't resolve a problem, then you need a third person. Ask your RA to come in an help resolve that problem.
• Some roommates agree on some rules, but don't follow them. Try to talk to them.
• Your roommate might be allergic to something that you eat or a product that you use. Ask them if they have any allergies and plan accordingly.

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