Whether you’ll spend this year in a dorm or in an apartment, a lot of students end up with a roommate, possibly even multiple roommates. Sharing a space with someone can be a lot of work, so it’s beneficial to get started on a good note. 

This person might be a complete stranger to you, but even if they aren’t or you have lived together in the past, it’s a good idea to discuss basic rules for living together.

If you’re in the dorms this semester, your resident assistant will probably be passing out a roommate agreement covering most of the basics. Even then, make sure you take the time to discuss whatever bases are important to you and your roommate(s). 

Wherever you’re living, it’s a good idea to discuss what quiet hours will be followed, what time lights will be off for the night, and what are appropriate hours to be using your communal spaces, such as the kitchen area. 

Your whole life can be impacted if you aren’t getting enough rest, so this is an important topic for everyone    involved. 

Another important discussion is what of your belongings, if any, you will share with each other. It’s important to make this clear immediately after moving in so you can be sure what you have access to before it becomes a conflict.

This isn’t just food, but toilet paper, clothing and yes, even deodorant. These are important boundaries to have for the other person.

An issue that can arise is when it comes to having guests, especially if you are living in the dorms. Asking permission to have a guest and having an idea how long they will be staying is vital to keep a visit from your friends or family from causing issues.

Living with a roommate impacts an enormous part of your life, so making sure to maintain a healthy relationship with them is an important lifestyle choice to start working on and stick with. 

Keep these in mind, and be sure to communicate with your roommate respectfully. Stay patient with them so they may stay patient with you. If you follow these steps, perhaps you can work together on the endless roads of lifestyle improvement you may find yourself traveling down.