One of the first things that truly characterizes the college experience for incoming freshmen is the newfound freedom and independence bestowed upon the new adult. The beginning of this journey stems from the core of the university…the infamous college dorms. Knowing how to deal with difficult roommates is important as the beginning of the college experience is contingent upon those initial connections. Simply put, a rocky relationship with your roommates will ultimately lead to a rocky semester.

Introduce Yourself!

The saying, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” applies greatly! When you meet a new person, their initial impression of you lasts. The same applies to roommates. It’s important to not be judgmental, but ultimately these impressions can make or break a roommate relationship. That’s why it’s crucial to be your genuine self when meeting your new roommate. Being true to yourself is a lot harder than people think, but by being unapologetically you, you’re more likely to build an amazing friendship with your new roommate.

Mitigation and Preemptive Measure

To prevent any future disagreements, it’s important to set up some ground rules right off the bat. A great way to come to some agreements regarding dorm life with you and your roommates is to assign a chore list! Creating a form of agreed upon responsibilities allotted evenly amongst yourselves is a great way to set the expectation from the get-go. Arguments can often arise from lack of participation and responsibility within the dorm, so a chore list is a great way to clear up any future misunderstandings.

Tough Conversations

Sometimes, tough conversations must be had. Whether your roommate is repeatedly coming home late or just forgetting to turn the light off, there is a correct way to address these sensitive issues. When calling a roommate meeting to address these topics, keep in mind that while you may be upset by their actions, they most likely didn’t mean to intentionally hurt you. Do your best to communicate your concerns in a polite manner.

All in all, dealing with a difficult roommate situation can be an uncomfortable and nerve-racking task. Engaging with bad roommates is like dealing with wrinkles. The only solution is preemptive care! Just like applying SPF in your youth decreases the progression of bad skin in your adulthood, effective communication mitigates the risk of future arguments and therefore is the best way to handle roommates!

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