Commentary: Roommate Survival

Abbey Hoekzema
August 28, 2008

For many freshmen, this is the first time they have ever had to share a room, and it's not easy.

Some of the freshmen will get lucky. Their roommate will become their best friend and live happily ever after. In other cases, just an acquaintance, you happen to see every couple of hours or every couple of days. The most extreme cases will have roommates that are ready to feed each other to the dogs.

My freshman year, I had the roommate from hell. Within six hours of moving in, I was asked to move out. That was a great way to start my semester off.

Most freshmen probably do not get asked to move out on their first day, but they can probably tell if their roommate situation is going to be bumpy or smooth. So for those sharing a room, an apartment, a house or a tent, here are five tips to surviving your roommate with all your hair intact.

1.    Have an open mind. It is important to remember that your roommate did not grow up in the same house as you. He or she has a different background. They will do things differently.
2.    Compromise. The world is not fair. You cannot have everything your way...especially if you want to be happy. You both cannot blast you music at the same time, so compromise.  
3.    Be courteous. If your roommate has a huge test the next day, do not invite friends over to watch a movie. Could you study with War of the Worlds playing?
4.    Be respectful. I know your roommate's three-day-old Chinese food adds a great smell to the room, but do not just throw it out, ask first. Make sure to ask about using anything of your roommate's first because they might be very particular about their things.
5.    Spend time apart. Whether you get along with your roommate or absolutely loathe the space they take up. Spend some time away from each or the room. The situation will be less tense if you are not always in the same room or have a less chance of getting tired of each other.

Of course these are not bullet proof tips, you and your roommate will still have some problems and if they become just unbearable work with your residential advisor. They are trained to deal with these kinds of situations.

Just remember you are not the only one having to share that really tiny space.