If you’re new to living with roommates, you may struggle to share your space. No matter how much you try to be polite, you still may have conflicts with your roommates over chores, bedtimes, and guests. However, there are plenty of ways to make your first time living with roommates a happy experience for all of you. Here are three tips for people who are living with roommates for the first time:
1. Learn your roommates’ schedules.
Learning your roommates’ schedules when you first move in is essential. You will likely be better equipped to share a space with them if you know how and when they work, rest, and do household tasks. They should also learn your schedule to avoid disruptions.
Respecting each other’s schedules is the key to successful roommate relationships. Your roommate might go to bed early while you stay up late, which can easily become a point of contention. Still, remember that your habits shouldn’t negatively affect others’ wellbeing. Therefore, wear headphones if you want to watch your favorite shows late at night and use a book light away from your roommate if you want to read while they sleep. This way, you and your roommate can both get what you want from your living arrangement.
2. Divide up your room for privacy.
If you live in a dorm or studio apartment with multiple roommates, you may want to divide up your room. There are a few options to divvy up your living space to give everyone more privacy.
Be creative with room dividers. Bookshelves are natural room dividers that can also store items that you and your roommate use frequently. You can also place a curtain rod in the middle of the room and hang curtains to divide it. You can even shell out a little cash for acoustic partitions, but there are also plenty of more cost-effective divider options.
Openly communicate with your roommate, and respect each other’s minimal privacy. You can also try rotating the room divisions for date nights or friend hangouts to avoid interfering with each other’s plans.
3. Choose your words wisely when you talk with your roommate.
When you live with roommates, choose your words carefully. When you disagree with a roommate, it’s often best to take some time away from the conflict and return when you’ve had time to cool off. Speak calmly about what upset you and try to offer a solution that might make both you and your roommate happy.
Avoid roommate fights over things that don’t matter in the long run. Does it matter that your roomie ate your frozen yogurt, or are you just worn out after a long day? Living with a roommate can be a lot like having siblings, but it’s best not to bicker like siblings! Setting and respecting boundaries about sharing food, clothes, chores, and space can avoid many little roommate arguments.
If living with a roommate is new to you, treat your roommate — and your living space — with respect. Be understanding but assertive, and set boundaries so that you and your roommate can respect each other’s needs. You and your roommate may not end up best friends forever, but if you learn to coexist, your home will always be a comfortable, peaceful place.
Featured Photo by Chewy on Unsplash.
