The key to any good relationship is communication, so why should it be any different for you and your roommate? Here are some tips to help with the transition of sharing a room with someone new.
Tip 1: Never assume that there is a cleaning service for the bathroom. Instead, establish a schedule for cleaning responsibilities so that everyone is contributing. Ladies especially, don’t forget to snake the drain to avoid hair clogging. Guys, just remember to clean the bathroom more than once a semester!
Tip 2: When it’s clear your roommate is heading to bed, turn off all the main lights and use your desk lamp instead. That way, your roommate isn’t kept up while you’re still working. If you need more light, head to the one of the study rooms on the floor.
Tip 3: Be sure to get to know your roommate right away to avoid any shocks in the future. This includes allergies and medical concerns, preferences, habits, etc. You might be shy, but being open with each other is crucial.
Tip 4: Though there is nothing wrong with singing in the shower, just know that the bathroom walls are thin, so be prepared for recurring roommate mockery.
Tip 5: Unless you want someone to interrupt your shower time, lock the door to the adjoining dorm room beforehand. To avoid the wrath of the neighbours who have been locked out of their bathroom, don’t forget to unlock the door when youíre done.
Tip 6: Try to plan longer conversations on the phone or on Skype for times when your roommate is out.
Tip 7: When it’s an ungodly hour in the morning, do not turn all the lights on. Try to set things out the night before if you know you’re getting up early to avoid waking your roommate at the crack of dawn.
Tip 8: If you’re blaring music when your roommate is clearly trying to study, be respectful and put headphones in. The same can be said if you play a musical instrument — find somewhere else you can jam while your roommate tries to focus.
Tip 9: Give your roommate a heads up if you’re planning to invite a lot of friends over. Remember it’s their private space too.
Tip 10: Similarly, if you’re planning on bringing someone back to the room for something a little more intimate, be considerate and give your roommate a heads up. Establish some signals to let them know what’s going on because you can’t lock them out of the room and they may return when you’re least expecting it.
Tip 11: Be conscious that your roommate might be sleeping when you return from a long night of drinking at the bars in Hull. Also, be sure to clean up after yourself if you can’t hold your liquor.
Tip 12: Be prepared to get extremely comfortable with your roommate because they will be there to see you at your best, your worst, and everywhere in between. If it’s clear that things aren’t working out, consider talking to your floor fellow about switching rooms.
