1. Be clear about your expectations from the beginning

 

Do you know in advance that you hate it when someone hits the snooze button1 fifteen times every morning? That you're a neat freak? That you need ten minutes to yourself before talking to anyone after you wake up? Let your roommate know as soon as you can about your little quirks¹ and preferences. It's not fair to expect him or her to pick up on2 them right away, and communicating what you need is one of the best ways to eliminate² problems before they become problems.

 

2. Address problems when they're little

 

Is your roommate always forgetting her stuff³ for the shower, and taking yours? Are your clothes being bor- rowed faster than you can wash them? Addressing things that bug⁴ you while they're still little can help your roommate be aware of something she may not otherwise know. And addressing little things is much easier than addressing them after they've become big.

 

3. Respect your roommate's stuff

 

This may seem simple, but it's probably one of the biggest reasons why roommates experience conflict. Don't think he'll mind if you borrow his cleats for a quick soccer game3? For all you know, you just stepped over an uncrossable line. Don't borrow, use, or take anything without getting permission first.

 

4. Be mindful of who you bring into your room – and how often

 

You may love having your study group into your room. But your roommate may not. Be mindful of how often you bring people over. If your roommate studies best in the quiet, and you study best in a group, can you alternate⁵ who hits4 the library and who gets the room?

 

5. Lock the door and windows

 

This may seem like it has nothing to do with roommate relationships, but how would you feel if your roommate's laptop got stolen during the ten seconds it took you to run down thehall5? Or vice⁶ versa? Locking your door and windows is a critical part of keeping safe on campus⁷.

 

6. Be friendly, without expecting to be best friends

 

Don't go into6 your roommate relationship thinking that you are going to be best friends for the time you're at school. It may happen, but expecting it sets both of you up for7 trouble. You should be friendly with your roommate but also make sure you have your own social circles.

 

7. Be open to new things

 

Your roommate may be from someplace you've never heard of. They may have a religion or lifestyle that is completely different from your own. Be open to new ideas and experiences, especially as it relates to what your roommate brings into your life. That's why you went to college in the first place, right?!

 

8. Stay open to change

 

You should expect to learn and grow and change during your time at school. And the same should happen to your roommate, if all goes well. As the semester⁸ progresses, realize things will change for both of you. Be comfortable addressing things that unexpectedly⁹ come up, setting¹⁰ new rules, and being flexible to your changing environment.

 

9. Address problems when they're big, too

 

You may not have been totally honest8 with tip #2, or you may suddenly find yourself with a roommate who goes wild9 after being shy and quiet the first two months. Either way, if something gets to be a big problem quickly, deal with it as soon as you can.

 

10. If nothing else, follow the golden rule

 

Treat your roommate like you'd like to be treated. No matter what your relationship is at the end of the year, you can take comfort knowing you acted like an adult and treated your roommate with respect.

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