Living with a roommate for the first time may be just as gratifying and challenging as starting college. Building a cordial connection with your roommate is crucial for a happy living situation, whether you’re sharing an apartment or a dorm room. Here are some essential tips for first-year students on handling living with roommates. 1. Communicate Openly and Early Effective communication is the foundation of any good roommate relationship. Start by going over expectations regarding visitors, study habits, sleep routines and hygiene. Establishing early ground rules helps avoid future misunderstandings “If you have different living styles and preferences, create a roommate contract at the start of the year so you all can hold each other accountable,” Ethan Schaible, a King Hall resident assistant, said. Frequent check-ins can also assist in resolving problems before they become more serious. 2. Respect Boundaries and Personal Space Respect for one another’s personal space and possessions is necessary when living in close quarters. Establish clear boundaries between personal and communal spaces, such as refrigerator shelves or closet space, and refrain from utilizing your roommate’s belongings without their consent. Recognize that different people have different schedules; if your roommate studies late or gets up early, modify your plans to avoid causing too much trouble. Maintaining equilibrium requires that everyone respect one another’s privacy. 3. Embrace Differences and Find Common Ground Roommates in college may come from a variety of backgrounds. Keep an open mind and take advantage of these disparities as chances to develop. Celebrate cross-cultural interactions by dining together or attending events together.
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Navigating roommate relationships: a guide for college students living on-campus
By Sydney Jansen, Staff Writer
Published Apr 29, 2025
First-year student Sarah Smith spends time with her roommate to avoid feeling homesick (Colleen Mortell/TCU360)
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