To get along with your new roommates, whether you live on-campus or off-campus, remember these three key phrases: communication, responsibility, and respect.
Communicate: If you and your roommate have a disagreement, remember that there is a solution to every problem. Communication is key to ensure a peaceful living arrangement. For example, decide at the beginning if you are comfortable with guests coming to your room or apartment and when they can visit. Decide if you will share and prepare food together or if you will purchase and prepare food separately. It is often a good idea to make a cleaning schedule at the beginning of the year, to avoid conflicts later on and so that everyone knows exactly what their duties are and when to do them.
Important issues that you should discuss as soon as possible with your roommate(s) include:
- The right protocol for guests and inviting guests to visit or stay in your room or apartment
- Who will do what duties and when (such as cleaning)
- The designation of quiet hours and noise hours
- How utility bills will be shared and paid for
