10 Ways To Be A Good Roommate

Going into college, one of the biggest changes the majority faces is learning how to live with and share space with another human being. Yeah, many have probably shared a room with a sibling at some point, but when it comes to having a room that you share with a complete stranger, it’s a totally different story. Whether your roommate is a stranger, an acquaintance or your best friend, here are 10 ways to be a good roommate. 

1- Know her schedule.

If she has a super early class the next day, be sure to turn the lights out early or do your work somewhere else. If you have a class in the morning and she doesn’t, be extra courteous while you get ready. Simple things like being aware of your roomie’s schedule will make things easier for both of you. I recommend that you hang your schedule and hers on the back of your door–it’s convenient for both of you!

2- Don’t press the snooze button.

If you have to be awake and your roomie does not, wake the hell up. When you lived alone you had the luxury of pressing snooze without annoying anyone. Here, you have the luxury of annoying yourself AND your sleepy roommate. Be respectful and avoid hitting snooze. Turn your alarm off as quickly as possible and just get up–this is a great habit to have in general and you can enforce it by not wanting to be a jerk to your roommate.

3- Make your bed.

This sounds like something that only benefits you, but it benefits your roomie, too. No one likes looking into a messy room, am I right? Making your bed is the quickest way to make your room look clean and tidy; it only takes a few minutes in the morning but it makes all of the difference. Your roommate will appreciate not having to look at your messy side of the room.

4- Check with your roommate before having people over.

No one wants to be in their pajamas doing homework when suddenly their roommate bursts in with her cute guy friends trailing behind her. Don’t catch her off guard–try to hang out with friends in the room while she’s in class or at least give her a heads up before bringing the squad in. Also catch on to social cues: If it’s late and she’s brushing her teeth and getting ready for bed, hang somewhere else.

5- Don’t always hang out in your room.

Your room may be THE place to hang out, but try to change it up sometimes. Hang out in someone else’s room sometimes or in the lounge–having people constantly in your room can become bothersome to your roommate, even if your friends are her friends, too.

6- Use earbuds.

When watching Netflix or even listening to music, use earbuds unless otherwise stated. Many people feel uncomfortable about bossing their roommate around or telling them to stop doing something–don’t put her in that position! Use your headphones or earbuds unless you’re both jamming out together–simple.

7- Occasionally offer favors.

Whether your roomie is a friend or mere acquaintance, it can’t hurt to occasionally ask her if she needs anything when you head to the store or offer to print out her paper since you’re going to the library. If you baked cookies and have extra, why not ask if she wants some? Whether she accepts your offers or not, I’m sure she’ll appreciate that you have her in mind.

8- Give her space.

If you’re a bit of an introvert or someone who loves to spend time in your room, try to get out some times and let her have space. Everyone enjoys an empty room at some point–I remember a lot of my friends complaining last year that their roommate NEVER left the room and it bugged them. Do your work in the library sometimes or even go for a walk. It’s a subtle and small thing, but your roomie will appreciate having time to themselves sometimes.

9- Ask before borrowing.

Even if you had a roommate contract that said sharing was fine. Even if it’s something as small as a paperclip. Always ask your roommate before using any of her things and thank her afterwards. It’s common courtesy even if, at times, it might seem excessive.

10- Don’t become passive-aggressive…talk it out!

My post Common Roommate Problems & Solutions is very helpful on this topic! As hard as it is to combat your problems head on and talk about uncomfortable topics with someone you’ve only recently met, it’s a SUPER important part of having a roommate. If she does something that bothers you, don’t bottle up your anger and let it become passive aggressiveness. If you’re afraid of confrontation, bring it up in a subtle and relaxed way. “Hey, it’s not a huge deal, but when you go to your morning class can you close the door more quietly?” or, depending on you and your roommate’s relationship you can even bring it up in a joking (but serious) way  or offer to help fix the problem such as, “Girl, the fruit you have in the fridge looks mutated, I’m pretty sure it’s not edible anymore. I think we need to clean out the fridge together right now.” Simple. Avoid being accusatory and standoffish and try to be as casual and problem solving as you can.

Hopefully this post on how to be a good roommate will help you during your college experience! Do you have any tips on being a good roommate?

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