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Sure, living with a friend or getting to know someone new can be an exciting experience — but sharing living space can also be a responsibility.
If not handled properly, roommate conflicts can turn into disasters. Here's the key to fostering successful roommate relations.
Speak up. Get to know your roommate. Even if you're not great friends, you'll be able to get along better if you understand each other.
Discuss what you expect from each other. Don't be afraid to tell your roommate if his/her actions bother you. Let each other know when important events (tests, papers, competitions, etc.) are coming up.
Plan ahead. Decide how you're going to handle financial obligations ahead of time so there won't be any misunderstandings when it's time to pay.
You should also discuss whether borrowing or using each other's property is cool. Establishing boundaries is fine as long as both roommates are aware of them.
Establish company policy. Decide whether it's acceptable to bring friends back to the room.
Do unto others... Whether you like your roommate or not, treat him/her with the consideration that you'd like to be treated with. Set an example and with any luck your roommate will catch on.
Give a little. You don't have to subvert your personality to get along with another person, but be prepared to compromise. If you're naturally a slob, you should learn to be neat to the extent that you don't encroach on your roommate's space. If you're a neat freak, remember that your roommate may not be as offended by mess as you are.
Don't stress. Most roommates naturally figure out how to get along even if they don't become best friends. In the unlikely event that you find yourself in a living situation that's unbearable, you'll probably be able to switch to another room.
Choosing a roommate
American University of Sharjah residential halls manager Mohammad Madi Ahmad highlighted three main elements to keep in mind when choosing a roommate:
Classmates: By choosing a classmate, you'll be very familiar with each others work flow, have similar schedules and therefore can avoid many conflicts.
Nationality: Nationality carries with it a lot of meaning: traditions, values, morals, etc… and so it is a very important element to consider when choosing a roommate.
Cleanliness: Are you unable to tolerate smoke? Then chances are living with a smoker would end in disaster. Live with someone who shares a similar sense and need for hygiene.
Source: Encarta.msn.com. With input from Maysam Ali, Staff Reporter
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