One of the first things I think about when reflecting on my college experience is my roommates who have been with me the whole time. I have three roommates and somehow, we have managed to live together since the first year. We get stressed at times and do not always get along perfectly, but we have a rhythm that works for us.

Finding good roommates is not always easy, especially when you do not know anyone else going to your college. Relax, though, it will be ok. Here are some tips I have learned on how to have a good relationship with roommates!

Most, if not all, universities, and colleges with on campus living have a survey for residents to fill out to find roommates their first year. Personally, I was very skeptical about how this survey would work, but looking back, I should have trusted the system more. Here’s why! Before move-in day, I had only briefly met one of my three roommates, and I was anxious about not getting along with them. There was one roommate I knew, so we met up to talk and get to know each other better, and I discovered that she was not worried in the least about the other two roommates neither of us knew. So, I decided to take a page out of her book and stop worrying so much about it. In the end, my worries were unfounded because this school year is my fourth year with the same roommates. Everything worked out better than I could have imagined, and it would have been a lot easier on me if I had just trusted it would be ok and relaxed.

When my roommates and I first started living together, we each were trying to figure out how to live with people besides our families. It was a gradual process, but we learned two key points that helped us live together:

• First, communication is key! If you need help with the chores or do not like the way someone does something, talk to your roommate(s) about it. They might not know it is bothering you and will try to compromise with you once it is brought to their attention.
• Second, do your part. If everyone in the room is contributing one way or another there is likely to be less frustration and arguments.
  

In the end, every roommate group is different and has a different “system” that must be used and followed so everyone gets along. You do not have to be best friends with your roommates, but you also want to live peacefully with one another. That said, the biggest and most helpful advice I can give is to find the system that works for everyone in the room and follow it. After living with my roommates for about 4 years, this is what has helped me the most. I hope this helps you too!

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