Getting Along with Your College Roommate; No big deal.
Everyone has heard at least one "roommate from hell" story, but most students have little trouble living with their roommates if they are willing to follow eight very simple, time tested suggestions.
1. If your college sends you a roommate questionnaire, answer the questions on it honestly, even if it's hard. If you're a neat freak, come clean about it.
2. Any communication you can have with your roommate before you move into your room is a good idea. If possible, meet for lunch or coffee in a place where you can begin to get to know each other; if not, there's always email and phone calls.
3. Even if the college you'll be attending does not require it, a roommate contract is generally a great idea. You and your roommate should discuss what issues are important to you (neatness, noise, guests, smoking in your room, borrowing each others things, etc.) and put together a written agreement.
4. Remember that even if your roommate has little in common with you, you can get along, and maybe become good friends if you are open, tolerant, and slow to judge.
5. As in all relationships, do all you can to encourage and maintain open communication, especially in times of disagreement. People willing to talk and listen seldom have ongoing problems living together.
6. Pledge that you will not complain about your roommate to your friends or family for a minimum of 3-4 weeks. Give him or her a fair chance.
7. That doesn't mean you shouldn't frankly tell your roommate about behaviors that bother you. In fact, just the opposite is true.
8. Be willing to compromise and accept criticism.
There are some legendary roommate horror stories. But, in reality, most students have very little trouble getting along with their roommates. And, following the guidelines above will greatly raise the odds that the same will be true for you.
Daniel Z. Kane is a dean at a medium sized southern university. He has created educational websites on subjects which include scholarships, financial aid,
online colleges, and degrees online.
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