Establish some rules at the beginning before you get a
roommate.
Also make your preferences known from the start so you and your
roommate are clear on what to do to avoid conflict. Establish that space, when
you need quiet time to study, if you can share Garri or cornflakes, what time
you go to bed, if you like to sleep in on weekends and who’s allowed to visit
etc. Some residence halls (hostels) even require roommates to write up a
roommate contract containing such rules. Perhaps this is something you and your
roommate could do on your own. Make it a fun and hang your contract somewhere
in your room as a reminder. This way, if you do find yourselves disagreeing,
you have something to help negotiate a solution that works for both of you. Rooming
with someone during college is most people’s first experience with having a
roommate who is not related to them. It usually comes with both benefits and
challenges. Hmmm, I think it should be mutual and not the parasitic kind of
relationship when one is losing at the other end. Getting a college roommate
you get along with, can enhance your college experience. For instance you get
an instant friend, someone to confide in and keep you company during your first
time away from home.
However, since many
colleges randomly assign your first roommate, you also run the risk of getting
someone you find challenging or don’t relate to right away. Either way, when you
go away to college for the first time, you want to make sure you are properly
prepared. You may be living on your own for the first time, so there could be
some items you wouldn’t normally consider. And remember to touch base with your
roommate prior to school, if you are able to, to make sure you are not bringing
duplicates of large items such as TVs, couches or refrigerators. Having double
will just take up space and make for a less comfortable environment.
