College Roommates

College is known for its roommate experience and getting to live with strangers and not your parents for the first time. Going from living with mom and dad to someone you don’t know could be a scary change, so here are a few tips to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Meet your roommate before move-in if possible!

When I moved in to college in my freshman year, I was able to meet and pick my roommate via Facebook the year before. Through a Facebook group created by other students, I was able to talk to people that are interested in my school as well. After talking to a few people, I finally met someone I really clicked with. We talked the whole summer before move-in and it made the transition so much easier.

Set up ground rules

After you’re all moved in and settled, make sure to sit down with your roommate and talk about expectations for the year. Ground rules are very important! Make sure you both come to terms on quiet hours, early morning schedules, and shower times. If your dorm area has a kitchen and common living area like mine did, make sure you talk to the other roommates as well to come up with a cleaning schedule and kitchen set up.

BOND BOND BOND

Before you get into the craziness of school and the chaos of work and tests, go out to dinner or lunch with your roommates / suitemates. Have a girls night out and go enjoy yourself! Don’t be afraid to show your true colors…After all, these people are going to see them at some point during your year together. If you are lucky, some of these roommates will end up being some of your best friends for life.

Be Honest!

This is the most important one on the list by far. If something is bothering you, speak up! Don’t let your complaints fester and build up over time because you will regret this when the time comes that you explode. Make sure that when you do speak up for yourself, you are doing it respectively. DO NOT leave post it notes. This can come across as petty and will further dig you into a hole.

Having roommates is fun and always keeps you on your toes. If you set up rules and expectations, you will be sure to have a good year. Make sure to have some fun with your roommates and go out together to experience life. Enjoy!!