Let's Get Along

When entering college, you’re excited about all the new opportunities and experiences it may bring. You will no longer be in the private room at your parent’s house; now you’re sharing a small space with a stranger for a year or more. Before receiving that piece of paper in the mail with your roommate’s name and address, you may have tons of questions. Is she shy? Do we share the same interest? And the biggest one of all: will we get along? ToGetHerThere has some tips to help a year living with a stranger run smoothly.

Photo Credit: http://education.seattlepi.com

Calls: When given your new roommate’s information, write a letter or give her a call to chat about the upcoming year. Find out her interests, what her major is, and get to know each other before move in day. This is also a great time to go over color schemes if you want to match your comforters. It’s okay to find your new roommate on social media, but do not judge before actually talking to them; Facebook and Twitter can be misleading.

Problem Solving: Do not wait to address any problems with your roommate. Handle the problem as soon as it arises, but when the time is right. Have weekly conversations/meetings with her to ensure you’re always on the same page. These meetings will help things run smoothly when it comes to problems within the room, and they will also help to set room rules so you both can respect each other’s space.

BFF’s: You do not have to become best friends with your roommate; as long as the two of you respect each other’s living space, things will run smoothly. A lot of incoming freshman believe that you must be BFF's—if you do, that's great, but it’s pretty common that your roommate will be just that—your roommate. 

Rules: Within the first few conversations with your roommate should be a conversation about "house rules." This will be very helpful in the long run—less questions and concerns when it comes to cleaning, having company, playing music, or overnight company. Each dorm has a Resident Assistant (commonly called the “RA”) that will meet you and share the dorm building rules; these may be a great start for room rules also. 

Remember: communication is key! Keep an open line of communication with your new “roomie” and the year will fly by with amazing experiences every step of the way. Enjoy being a freshman and your college years—don’t stress about something you can easily resolve with a friendly chat!