How to Cope in a Coed Dorm Room

Living in a coed dorm room is an experience that many college students face. Men and women living together in the same dorm poses an interesting question of how to handle the situation with style and tact. For many college students, the idea of living in a coed dorm sounds like a great idea. For others the situation may cause fear and uncertainty.

Instructions

1. Establish room rules as soon as you move in. This will allow both you and your roommates to know what behavior is acceptable. It is especially important to establish rules about visitors and dedicated study time. Remember that you are in college to learn first and socialize second.

2. Respect your roommates. This applies to single sex dorm rooms as well as coed dorm rooms. Keep your music at a suitable level. Keep your area clean. Make sure that any guests you have in the room are respectful of your roommates. This includes making sure that they leave at appropriate times. For example, if your roomie is studying, you should remain quiet or leave the room.

3. Dress and act appropriately. Being scantly clad may make your roommates feel uncomfortable. In addition, you should refrain from having romantic encounters in your dorm room. Basically, act like you would if your grandmother was your roommate. Living in a coed dorm means making some sacrifices so that everyone can have the best experience possible.

4. Help each other out. This includes studying, cleaning and cooking. If you and your roomies work together to do these activities, life will be easier. If you love to cook and your roommate is good at washing dishes, you can make a deal that you will cook if he cleans up afterwards.

5. Leave prohibited items out of the dorm room. In some dorms, there are regular room inspections. Bringing prohibited items into your room can get you and your roommates in trouble.

6. Talk calmly about problems. If you have a problem with your roommate or her behavior, let her know. If she brings up a problem she has with you or your behavior, listen with an open mind. Talking things out calmly is the grown up thing to do and, as a college student, you should pride yourself in being a grown up.