Sophie Edwards is a freshman Marketing student at Louisiana Tech University. She shares lessons learned from first-hand experience to high school students and incoming college freshmen.
If you are going to college, you will most likely have a roommate (or a few)! While having a roommate is proven to increase your GPA, enrollment retention, and social life, living with another human can be difficult. Here are five tips on how to be a good roommate!
#1: Communication is crucial.
My mom says, “expectations that are not expressed are not valid.” If your roommate does something that bothers you, kindly talk to them about it so the problem can be solved. Most of the time, I can easily fix something that bothers my roommate when I am aware of the problem.
#2: Notice the little things.
Pay attention to the things your roommate does to make your place a home. If they clean the sink, vacuum, or if their space is looking extra nice, thank them!
#3: Create boundaries.
Roommates should create boundaries on sharing food, inviting friends and family over, and even communication! For example, some people are great friends with their roommates, while others keep their distance. It’s important to kindly and clearly communicate these boundaries to avoid tension.
#4: Share responsibilities.
Some roommates have chore charts, but some would rather have a more flexible system. However you divide tasks, make sure the work does not all fall on one person and be sure to hold up your end of the deal!
#5: Be kind!
You don’t have to be best friends with your roommates, but having a friendly, positive culture in your living space will make your new home a safe haven. If your roommate has a busy day, maybe write them a note, do the dishes, or buy them coffee!
Conclusion
Roommates can teach you valuable lessons that will help you further along in your adult life. Having good relationships with your roommates can help improve your college experience! Keep communication with your roommates kind and consistent, and make sure they feel loved and appreciated by thanking them and helping out when you can.
Make sure to send this to a future roommate!
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Written by Louisiana Tech Marketing Student, Sophie Edwards