Maybe you’ve signed up for it because you’re an only child and your parents think it will be an “enlightening experience”, or maybe you’ve picked the short straw (so to speak) and were assigned a double room by chance. Either way, you’re now starting to wonder and maybe worry about how different your life will be starting September. Lucky for you, I spent my first year in a double room in Sub-Whit, and am proud to announce both my roommate and I received our monetary compensation for not murdering each other by the end of the year. Coming from the same high school and already being friends, it wasn’t much of an adjustment for us, but more of an 8-month long slumber party. However, if you’re not lucky enough to have moved in with your best friend and don’t expect to be living your days out like an episode of Gilmore Girls, here is a list (everyone loves lists!!!) of things you should consider to make your life with a roommate a bit more stress-free.
1. Purchase 2 sleeping essentials – a sleep mask and ear plugs!
You’re going to feel a little silly and maybe even slightly claustrophobic. But when your roommate decides to pull an all-nighter with their bright study light and scratching pencil the day before you have an exam, you’ll thank me.
2. Post your class schedule somewhere your roommate can see it, and ask them to do the same.
The most difficult part of living with a roommate is the inevitable lack of privacy. Sometimes, you just need some alone time. Knowing when your roommate will be in class will let you know when you can have the room to yourself.
3. Try to bond a little during move-in to make Frosh Week less painful.
Just having one friend can be the difference between a great and an AMAZEBALLS Frosh Week. Having your roommate by your side will give you confidence to get through the parade, the Melinda Seaman party, and EVEN awkward lunch with ease.
4. Don’t get angry about occasionally sharing items.
Maybe you won’t be so open to letting your roommate borrow a pair of jeans, but try offering coffee when you make it or letting them borrow shampoo the day they run out. This will not only build something of a friendship, but it will also forever put them in your debt.
5. Understand you don’t have to be best friends!!
To live comfortably with a roommate you just have to follow the golden rule. Sure, many beautiful friendships sprout from first year roommates, but this isn’t always the case. If a problem arises, don’t be afraid to talk about it with them or with a trusted upper year who has probably had some of the same problems themselves.
Try as I might to sound old and wise, I realize I’ve still ended up making this sound like a 17 Magazine article. Hopefully you’ve learned one or two things and your roommate experience is an excellent one!
By: Angie Salomon
TO TRINITY AND BEYOND 