How To Get Along With Your College Roommate

Many students will end up living with someone who is the opposite of them in many ways.  It is important to be ready and willing to accept your differences and find ways to coexist.  Your ability to do this can really improve your chances of having a positive roommate relationship. 

Its pretty funny how even the smallest things can drive us crazy after awhile!  Everyone has to understand that you can’t transform your roommate into your new best friend, but there are things you can do to make living together a lot more bearable. 

Here are some ideas:

1. Communicate.  Your roommate cannot read your mind, so if something is bothering you, bring it up in a non-defensive way.  Chances are, your roommate isn’t even aware of the problem.

1. Focus on behavior, not personality.  You can’t expect to get people to change who they are, but you can ask them to consider how they express themselves, especially if it is offensive.

1. Be flexible.  No one is perfect, and it isn’t your job to fix anyone else.  Be willing to look at your own behavior as well.  Consider what you could do differently to help the situation instead of only blaming your roommate.

1. Approach one problem at a time.  There could be a number of things that you don’t like about your roommate, or their behavior.  Instead of complaining about everything that they do wrong, and why you don’t like them, try focusing on one problem first and working towards a solution.

Adaptability and flexibility are key here.  Living with one or several new people can be a challenge, but can also be a great learning experience if you allow it to be!