College Roommate Tips

How to Still Have Privacy When Sharing a Room with a Roommate

By Alicia Geigel

Living with a roommate has its pros and cons, with the biggest nuisance being the lack of privacy that often comes with sharing a space. Privacy can become even more scarce when sharing a room with another person. Jointly living in a home or apartment is one thing, but sharing a room is a whole other level of closeness. Along with sharing common areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room, your most private space, aka your bedroom, is also jointly
lived in.

There could be several reasons why you are sharing a room with your roommate, whether it be a space issue or a financial one. While it may seem like there is no means to having privacy in this situation, there are a few simple ways to both share a room and still have a small sliver to call your own.

Are you sharing a room with your roommate? Is the lack of privacy driving you mad? Here are five simple ways you can make your space more private.

Student Roommates: How to Still Have Privacy When Sharing a Room with a Roommate

1. Try to keep your Possessions to a Minimum: One common issue when living with a roommate is the blurred lines between your items and the items of your roommate(s). Often, things like food, toiletries, or household appliances get used and mixed up, which can lead to frustration and conflict. Living in the same room can further complicate things. To avoid this, try to keep your possessions to a minimum-at least the possessions that are visible and in the way. Storage containers and storage furniture can help to organize your items and keep them out of the way of your roommate.

2. Invest in a Screen Room Divider: Depending on the size of your room, your space can feel very cramped and crowded. Simultaneously, your room can also feel less comfortable and, simply put, yours. To give your room a degree of separation, think about investing in a screen room divider. A screen divider adds a makeshift wall to your room, giving both you and your roommate some much-needed privacy, whether it be when you are changing clothes, hanging out with a friend, or unwinding after a long day.

3. Consider a Loft Bed: Remember earlier when I briefly mentioned the perks of storage furniture? While a loft bed does not offer optimal storage, it does give you a unique way to design the layout of your room and help you utilize your space better. A loft bed is like a bunk bed, but rather than having a bed on both the bottom and top, it has open space on the bottom for things like a desk or couch, with a bed on top. If your room allows for the space, a loft bed is a great option. You can have the privacy of being on another height in the room while relaxing or sleeping.

4. Make your Bed Private: In the case that you cannot get a loft bed or a screen divider for your room, another way to make your bed and living space more private is by purchasing something to cover up your bed, such as a canopy or a bed tent. Items like these are typically inexpensive and can help to give you a greater sense of privacy, whether you’re wanting a bit of alone time for studying or sleeping.

5. Establish Specific Hours to Have the Room to Yourself: If you and your roommate have exhausted all possible options, one easy last resort to consider is to establish specific hours for each person to have the room to themselves. It sounds controlling and dictator-like, but it could be a game-changer for the both of you. And since many public spaces on and around campus have WiFi, your “banishment” won’t be the end of the world for either of you – in fact, it may be a great opportunity to explore a park or go for walk.

Living with a roommate can be difficult enough, but sharing a room with them is a different level of closeness that can drive even the most level-headed to the brink of a breakdown. Though it can be difficult to compromise and live with your roommate in a room, there still are means to maintain privacy and have a space of your own. Whether it is by using a space divider or taking a step outside, you and your roommate can come to an agreement that works for the both of you.

5 Annoying Roommate Habits and How To Deal

By Ashley Paskill

Living with roommates, especially if it is your first time living with roommates, can be difficult. It is challenging living with different people you are used to who have habits that may be different than you are used to with your family. Learning how to cope with difficult roommate habits can help you improve your relationships with your roommates and give you peace of mind for navigating the semester.

Not doing chores

Roommates who do not do their fair share of chores can be difficult, especially if you are someone who likes to be clean and tidy. While different people have different ideas of what “clean” means, it is important to figure out common ground for how to make it work.

There are many ways you can navigate a roommate who does not keep up with chores. Create a schedule for chores. Have each roommate do a specific task or tasks that they volunteer for. Rotate which roommate does each chore and write them down so there is a visual. While it may be tempting to just do all of the cleaning and chores yourself, this will eventually lead to burnout, so be sure to share tasks and be upfront when things are not getting done.

Roommate Finder: 5 Annoying Roommate Habits and How To Deal

Ineffective communication

Communication is important in any relationship, and the relationship between you and your roommate(s) is no different. Your roommate may be passive-aggressive in their communication method by leaving post-it notes. They may not bring up issues that need to be resolved and might not communicate about anything at all.

When dealing with communication issues, it is better to be upfront and honest. Ask them why they made a comment or if there is an issue. As roommates, you should be comfortable enough with each other to speak up without fear of retaliation. Have a time each night where you can talk to your roommate(s) and get a feel for how things are on their end and share your thoughts as well. If your roommate still is not communicating effectively, consider bringing in a third party or finding a new roommate.

Invading privacy

Even if you are living with roommates, you deserve to have some privacy and not spend every waking hour with them. Your roommates may borrow your belongings without asking for permission or bang on the bathroom door, wondering when their turn for a shower is. They may decide to have friends over or have a party without checking with you first.

When dealing with privacy invasions, establish rules and boundaries. For example, have a rule that says that roommates must ask before entering another roommate’s room and must check before having friends over. While you and your roommates are friends, establish that it is okay for you and your roommates to have other friends. Label things in the fridge that are yours and have your roommate do the same, especially for things you do not want to share.

Not paying bills

As a college student, your budget is limited. If you live in an apartment or house, you have to pay rent, utilities, and other necessities on top of tuition, supplies, and groceries. You likely split these expenses with a roommate, but if your roommate is not paying their fair share, you may be forced to cover them so you are able to have what you need. However, this is unfair to you and your budget will decline as a result.

To deal with bills, make a spreadsheet of shared expenses. Make note of the cost of each, how much each roommate owes, how it will be paid, and the deadline. This way, there is no confusion and it is easier to keep track of. Avoid making purchases and assuming your roommates will want to chip in and hold onto receipts for agreed-upon purchases. Use apps and websites to help streamline the payment process. If a deadline is coming up, check in with your roommate to be sure the bill gets paid.

Unwanted noise

Whether a roommate slams doors or listens to their music too loudly at all hours of the day and night, having a noisy roommate can be a challenge. It can disrupt your studying and sleep, and your neighbors may be mad at everyone as a result of noise, even if it is not your fault.

Your roommate may not realize how loud they are being or that they are bothering you. Confront them honestly and calmly and ask them to be more mindful of you and their noise levels. Explain how the loud noises disrupt you (wake you up, disrupt your concentration, etc.). You may even want to establish a time when you and your roommates can listen to loud music.

Living with roommates can be a struggle at times, especially when their habits get on your last nerve. However, there are solutions you can do to make the situation better while maintaining the relationship with your roommate(s).

How to Cheer Up a Roommate When They Get a Bad Grade

By Kaitlin Hurtado

Everyone has a different roommate experience in college. For some, they live with best friends they consider a second family. For others, they live with people they consider casual friends with whom they can comfortably share a living space. Regardless of how close you are, you are more likely to see your roommate in their more vulnerable state as you share a living space with them. Whether it’s the latest bout of homesickness or stress for upcoming deadlines, you are probably going to be able to tell when your roommates are going through a tough time. Even if you aren’t best friends with them, it could be difficult to see someone feeling upset in close quarters and not being able to help them in some way.

As college students, you are bound to go through your ups and downs. A common “down” is getting a bad grade, regardless of how hard you studied or worked on an assignment. Your roommate could be going through the same thing, and you may have no idea how to help get their spirits up. Keep reading for tips on how to cheer up a roommate when they get a bad grade.

Roommate Tips: How to Cheer Up a Roommate When They Get a Bad Grade

Take on an extra chore or two
Sure, you may have your go-to methods of cheering up your closest friends when they’re down, but there’s something you can do to cheer up your roommate that others typically won’t be able to do – chores. Depending on how you and your roommates decided to split up housework, everyone is likely going to have one chore that they absolutely dread doing over any of their other assigned chores.
If your roommate is feeling down about a bad grade, offer to cover a chore (or all of them) for the week. While it may seem completely unrelated to the problem at hand, it can go a long way to cheer up your roommate. One, it shows that you recognize they are feeling down and care for their wellbeing. Two, it takes one thing – no matter how small – off their plate. By taking one chore off their plate, they can have that much more time to themselves to destress, or even study toward the next round of tests they are going to go through.

Offer solutions
If your roommate is feeling down about a particularly bad grade, help them find a solution for their troubles. Do they struggle with keeping on top of their studies? Offer to have a study session with them. While you may not be able to offer academic support if you don’t share the class or same major, you can definitely offer some emotional support as you sit by their side at your kitchen or coffee table and study at the same time.
For some, having someone to sit by while they study helps keep themselves accountable, and also can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that may come with studying or working on a project alone.

Take them out for their favorite meal
Treating yourself doesn’t just have to be limited to celebrating or giving yourself a reward for a job done well. It can also be for times when you are feeling down and need a pick-me-up. If your roommate is sulking over a bad grade, take them out for their favorite meal or sweet treat. Not only will it take their mind off of the issue at hand, but it’ll give them a chance to destress and unwind, something much-needed after they had likely spent hours stressed over studying.
It doesn’t have to be a lavish dining experience, something as simple as going to your favorite go-to spot for a happy hour of appetizers and drinks can be the perfect solution to cheering up your roommate.

Have a roomie night in
Rather than taking your roommate out of the house to get their mind off of things, set up a roommates’ night-in to give them the opportunity to destress from the comfort of their own home. Gather their favorite snacks and drinks and plan a night of video or board games, or binge-watching their favorite TV show. Go the extra mile and invite some of their close friends over to help cheer them up even more. The night doesn’t have to be extravagant or perfectly planned, but setting some time aside to cheer up your roommate and help get their mind off their bad grade can mean the world to them when they are feeling down.

You don’t have to be best friends with your roommate to recognize when they are feeling bad about something. Even if it’s something as small as a bad grade on a paper, one sad roommate can bring down the whole vibe of the apartment, especially if said roommate is the go-to jokester. With these ideas in mind, you can have at least one way to help cheer up a roommate when they get a bad grade.

Cute, Cheap, or DIY Holiday Gifts To Give Your Roommate

By Danielle Wirsansky

Gift giving is a really special aspect of the holidays. Sometimes finances can be tough and it can be hard to get a gift to show appreciation to everyone in our life that deserves it. However, one person you do not want to forget to get a gift for is your roommate!

No one spends more time with you than your roommate. They live with you, for Pete’s sake! They have seen you at your best and they have seen you at your worst, and whether you like it or not, you are stuck together (at least until the lease ends). Roommates put up with a lot, so whether you like your roommate or not, you should show appreciation. Read on for some cute, cheap, or DIY holiday gifts to give your roommate!

College Roommates: Cute, Cheap, or DIY Holiday Gifts To Give Your Roommate
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Coloring Books

Coloring books have been making a comeback in recent years and they are no longer just an activity for children—they’re now an awesome stress-relieving activity for adults as well. You can choose a coloring book based on a theme you think your roommate will enjoy, like unicorns or beautiful locations. Most TV shows and other pop culture items have related coloring books too, so you can find them a coloring book of their favorite cartoon characters or TV show or movie. If you are not sure what your roommate might like, you can always pick something simple like flowers or mandalas, things that anyone would find peaceful.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can provide crayons, coloring pencils, markers, or other colorful writing utensils to be sure that they can utilize your coloring book gift (and without delay).

And as stressful as college can be, why not give your roommate a simple and cheap way to de-stress as a gift? The winter break is the time to unwind, so providing them with a coloring book as a holiday gift is well-timed.

Body Scrub

Spa and health and wellness gifts are very popular and everyone has a body, so why not give your roommate a body scrub? According to Healthline, there are many benefits to using body scrubs like the fact that “they allow your skin to absorb moisturizer better…. They unclog pores and prevent ingrown hairs…. They leave your skin smoother and more even.”
You can customize the body scrub to be a scent that you know your roommate enjoys. If you are not sure what your roommate might like, you can just choose a scent that seems pleasant to you. The same goes with the color!

A body scrub is a cheap gift to buy, but it is also a really easy gift to DIY. There are lots of different recipes of varying levels of simplicity that you can find online. You can also choose a body scrub recipe based on how they help your skin, so if you know that your roommate suffers from acne or has particularly oily skin, or is prone to breakouts, you can customize the kind of body scrub that you are making to better fit their skin needs. If you are not sure, you can still make a simple, basic body scrub that is sure to be a hit.

Personalized Coupon Book

Another great gift for your roommate is a personalized coupon book! You can make it yourself and have it look cute, professional, or whatever style you want! Create item or task-based coupons that your roommate can redeem throughout the rest of the time that you live together.

They could be simple things, like doing a chore. You can be kind and offer to do a specific chore that your roommate really does not enjoy doing or you can be a little more laidback about it and offer to do a chore that you do not mind doing.

Beyond chores, you can also offer coupons for things like a home-cooked meal, a batch of cookies, their favorite food or something along those lines. If you enjoy spending time with your roommate, you can also offer coupons like having a movie night, going shopping, having a spa day at home, or other assorted tasks you and your roommate might specifically enjoy doing together like going to garage sales or seeing a play together. The coupon book is a simple but thoughtful gift to show your roommate that you care.

There are many different gifts you can make or buy for cheap for your roommate this holiday season. Think about what you know about your roommate and then make the best decision you can! Remember, it is the thought that counts!

5 Simple Winter Activities to Enjoy With Your Roommates

By Alicia Geigel

Winter is a great season full of Instagram-worthy pictures of the outdoors, baking cookies, and staying bundled up on the couch with Netflix as your companion. Some people like to venture outside, make snow angels (when snow is available), go on chilly morning walks or other winter activities. On the contrary, others enjoy the cold from the comfort of inside the house, wrapped up in a warm, fuzzy blanket.

Even though binge-watching your favorite Netflix series for the fifth time in a row or catching up on reality show reruns is tempting, this same repetitive routine can become boring when you and your roommates are looking for fun things to do. Whether you and your group like to stay inside or explore the outdoors during the winter, there are plenty of winter activities to do together. Read below for my favorites!

College Roommates: 5 Simple Winter Activities to Enjoy With Your Roommates

1. Fun by the Fireplace: One of the greatest feelings is cozying up to the fireplace after being out on a super cold day. Though a fireplace is not a household item for many, this can also take place by a space heater, wherever you can get that nice, instant warmth totally works. Have your roommates gather their blankets, pillows and get some of your favorite snacks for a fun time playing board games or even mobile games like Heads Up. You could even make s’mores on the stovetop or in the microwave and eat them by the fireplace/space heater for that outdoorsy, campfire feeling! Nothing says cozy like this, and if your group tries it, can you invite me too?
2. Indoor Movie Day: Remember being a kid and making blanket forts for just about every occasion? For this activity, you and your roommates have to embrace your inner child again. Gather up any blankets you can find in the house, (preferably larger ones because they make for better forts) and get to building a fort! You can use chairs, pillows, just about anything to hold up your blankets. After you all are done assembling your fort, pop some popcorn and collect some of your favorite candy or cookies to bring into your new lair. Once you have everything set up, everyone can vote for a movie and pop it on! Something seasonal like Christmas movies or even movies that take place during the winter are great as they contribute to the overall cozy ambiance.
3. Host a Tea Party: At first glance, this sounds a little lame, but it can definitely be fun! The winter months are a great excuse not only to stay inside but also to bake cookies and host tea parties! Play some of your favorite music to channel your inner Betty Crocker and scope out some recipes that appeal to you. You can never go wrong with a good chocolate chip and peanut butter blossom, but explore different cookies that you and your roommates like! Even better, each roommate can assign themselves a cookie to bake, kind of like a cookie potluck! After the cookies are baked, brew some tea; the standard Earl Grey is great, but if you are feeling adventurous, try something fun, whatever appeals to the group! When everything is made, assemble the plate of cookies, mugs for tea, and pretty napkins and embrace your inner Mia Thermopolis (Princess Diaries, anyone)?
4. Indulge in Comfort Foods: Winter is the perfect time to indulge in comfort foods. Some easy comfort foods include mac and cheese, grilled cheese and tomato soup, or French toast- all can be made on a budget and are super yummy and delicious. On a blustery cold day, invite your roommates to each make comfort food and have your own pot-luck style dinner with some candles and glasses of wine. Nothing is more appropriate for winter than hibernating in your apartment with roommates and enjoying some of your favorite foods, enjoy a bite for me!
5. Have a Spa Day: The stress of the semester coming to an end, studying for finals, and preparing for winter break can take a toll on just about anyone. When living with roommates, it’s always important to check in with one another and make sure that everyone is not feeling burnt out. A cold winter day is a perfect opportunity for you and your roomies to unwind and relax together. Head to the store and get some face masks, soak some washcloths with warm water, gather all of your favorite nail polish colors, and have a spay day. If you have an air diffuser, using calming aromatherapy oils (lavender or eucalyptus) is a great way to make the space calm. Music is also a great help, so enlist the help of the roommates to find the perfect chill playlist. After this, everyone will be relaxed and forget about the plunging temperatures.

Whether it’s having a post-seasonal Friendsgiving or indulging in a group self-care spa session, these winter activities are perfect to do with your roommates and will bring you all closer together before the semester ends.

How To Host Thanksgiving For Roommates When You Can`t Go Home

By Ashley Paskill

Whether you live far away from your home or are studying abroad, you may not have the chance to go home for Thanksgiving. Instead of sitting around and doing nothing, consider celebrating the holiday with your roommates. It may not be the same as spending time with your family, but your roommates can be your chosen family for the day. You are likely thankful for your roommates, so take the opportunity to celebrate them.

Food galore

If you are studying abroad, you may want to consider trying out the local cuisine and incorporating it into your Thanksgiving meal. One of the highlights of being able to study abroad is trying new food and embracing a new culture, so having dishes from where you are studying can help diversify your dinner table. For those just staying on campus for Thanksgiving, have everyone make their favorite Thanksgiving dish so you can learn something about each person. Have them say why they chose to make the dish, whether it is their favorite food or they grew up eating it at Thanksgiving. This will help you bond with your roommates as you will get to learn new things about them and their family traditions. If you and your roommates are not good at cooking, consider ordering takeout from a favorite campus or college town restaurant for your meal.

Location, location, location

Choosing the perfect location for your Thanksgiving dinner can be a challenge. Dorms can be a bit small for hosting multiple people, so consider eating at a dining hall or cafeteria on campus. See if there are any restaurants nearby that will be open for Thanksgiving, as these can be good spots for eating out as well. If you are studying in a warm environment, you may even consider a local park or beach for your meal. Just be sure to alert the appropriate parties to let them know your intentions of hosting a meal for you and your roommates in their facilities, and follow any required rules.

Decorate the space

Once you have found the space for the meal, decide what kinds of decorations you want to include. If you are studying abroad and there are not any Thanksgiving-specific decorations, consider using fall decorations. For those eating out at a restaurant for their meal, see what kinds of decorations you can and cannot bring, and see if the restaurant has décor already. You will have more freedom if you are able to eat in your own apartment or a dining hall. You can use things like tablecloths, candles and candle holders, signs, and other themed décor to help make your dinner more festive.

Roommate Finder: How To Host Thanksgiving For Roommates When You Can`t Go Home
Image: Designecologist via https://www.pexels.com/photo/leaves-hang-on-rope-1389460/

Be budget-friendly

As a college student, it is crucial to be mindful of your budget. It may be tempting to go all-out and buy a lot of food or decorations, but it is important to take money into consideration. Have attendees bring a side dish. See if your campus has a Thanksgiving dinner for students living on campus. Many times, these on-campus Thanksgiving meals are free. When buying decorations, see what is available on sale or with coupons. Serve smaller portion sizes, which will help you reduce the amount of food you need to buy and will help save you money. If you eat at a restaurant, take any leftovers you have back to your dorm or apartment. Whether you cooked or ate out, actually eat the leftovers you have.

Plan activities

Usually, when you spend time with family on Thanksgiving, you do more than just eat and leave. It does not have to be any different when spending time with friends. Plan activities such as a movie marathon or game night to continue the festivities. This way, you do not have to feel sad about not spending the holiday at home. Consider playing some more active games or even having a dance party to cancel out the calories from dinner to stay healthy.

Look for off-campus activities

If you live in a college town, it is likely that there are plenty of activities you can do with your roommates off-campus. See if there are Thanksgiving-based runs or walks that you can participate in before you have a meal. You and your roommates may even decide that you want to volunteer some time at a soup kitchen for the day to help serve meals. Even just exploring your college town can be fun, even if stores are closed. Look to see if there are any parades in the town your school is in.

Enjoy the perks of being on campus

Whether it is saving money on travel expenses or not having to deal with nagging family members, there are a few perks to staying on campus for Thanksgiving. You get to spend more quality time with your roommates and if you live in the dorms, you get more access to the “good” showers. Take advantage of these perks while they last.

Being on campus for Thanksgiving break can be sad, but there are things you can do with your roommates to celebrate the holiday and take advantage of the time together.

4 Important Roommate Rules To Establish Right Now

By Bethany Fischer

Most college students experience living with a roommate at some point during school. In order to keep the peace, it is important to establish roommate rules for everyone to follow. It can be difficult to live with someone who isn’t related to you for the first time. Having a set of rules that everyone adheres to can help ease any tension and create a comfortable living space for everyone.

Everyone’s living situation is different. Depending on the type of person you are, you may thrive off of different rules than others. That being said, there are some general guidelines that everyone should follow when living with someone else. Here are 4 important roommate rules you should establish right now to have a healthy relationship with your roommate.

College Roommates: 4 Important Roommate Rules To Establish Right Now
1. Communication is key

Like every kind of relationship you have, communication is the most important thing to practice. This roommate rule ensures that everyone is on the same page at all times. While there may be times where you have to have uncomfortable conversations with your roommate, keeping an open line of communication is the best way to avoid any miscommunication that could lead to serious problems.

A lot of issues that roommates have with each other stem from under-communicating. It can be tempting to push your feelings aside for the sake of peace or go for a more passive-aggressive approach when things are bothering you. However, people don’t know what they don’t know. It is likely that your roommate is unaware of your feelings and isn’t intentionally trying to cause problems. The best way to practice this roommate rule is by being honest and transparent. This will help you avoid any conflict or hostility in the future.

2. Give each other space

It’s awesome when you and your roommate get along. In a perfect world, you and your roommate would be best friends. However, even best friends need time away from each other. Giving each other space is one of the most important roommate rules you should have to keep the peace in your home.

Time alone is essential to having a healthy relationship with your roommate. It ensures that everyone is getting time to care for themselves, think through their emotions, and avoids co-dependency. College is stressful for everyone. If you spend every minute of every day with your roommate, you run the risk of overwhelming each other with your own problems and emotions. Giving your roommate space is a great roommate rule that should be implemented at the beginning of your living arrangement.

3. Make a roommate agreement and stick to it

Sometimes, things are clearer when they are written down. This is especially true when it comes to roommates. A good roommate rule to implement is the roommate agreement. A roommate agreement is a signed document that lays out all of the rules, boundaries, and expectations that all roommates should follow. A good roommate agreement makes everything clear and will help navigate or avoid conflict altogether.

Roommate agreements can be personalized depending on the living situation. However, some general roommate rules should always be included, such as:

● Rent/ utility payments
● Overnight guest rules
● Cleaning/chore schedule
● Violation consequences

By using practicing this roommate rule, you and your roommates can avoid any kind of future miscommunication.

4. Pay your share and pay it on time

One of the biggest conflicts that roommates face comes from money and paying bills. Having the money talk can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary to make sure that everyone is paying their fair share. Part of being in college means facing adult situations in a mature way. The best way to implement this roommate rule is by being honest and holding up your end of the payment agreement.

There are so many things that need to be paid for when living on your own. Big things, like rent, internet, electricity, and other utilities should be split amongst all roommates. Other things, like groceries, toiletries, a home decor, can be personalized based on usage. A good way to manage payments amongst roommates is to lay out all of the monthly bills as a list or a spreadsheet. This way, everyone knows what is due, when it’s due, and what their contributions are. Some people’s roommates split bills evenly; others pay based on a percentage of their income. Whichever way you decide to split bills with your roommates, make sure you are paying your fair share and doing it on time every month to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Making the transition to living with roommates isn’t always easy. There will be times when you have to deal with conflict and other uncomfortable situations. However, having clear roommate rules for everyone to follow can help ease any tension and make a more comfortable living environment. Implementing rules like communicating, giving space, making a roommate agreement, and splitting bills fairly can increase your chance of having a positive roommate experience. With clear roommate rules and expectations, you can begin to build a healthy relationship with your roommates.

Roommate Halloween Costumes

By Danielle Wirsansky

Dressing up for Halloween while you are in college can be some of the best fun. Even if you can’t go trick or treating, dressing up in costume and going out and about, especially with a group, can lead to just as much fun. Group costumes are a lot of fun too, and who better and easier to coordinate it with than your roommates? You live together, you vibe together, and often, you hang out together. When you live together, you can work on your costumes together, keep each other on track as your are building/buying/making your costumes, and then hang out in your costumes together.

But sometimes the trickiest part of group costumes, especially with roommates, is figuring out what to dress up as! Read on for some suggestions for some really great roommate Halloween costumes!

Roommate Tips: Roommate Halloween CostumesPhoto from Pexels

Peas in a Pod

If you and your roommates are really tight, good friends, a good way to celebrate that friendship in an easy, gender-neutral Halloween costume—Peas in a pod! If you and your roommates are peas in a pod, then it seems like a no-brainer. Wear all green to be peas and then stick together for the night, something you were probably already planning on doing. If you want to go the extra mile with this costume, take the time to construct a pea pod out of green fabric or felt. That way, you really will be stuck together for the night! This can be done with as few or as many roommates as you have.

Zombies

If you are looking for something a little bit scarier or “costumey,” then another great roommate Halloween costume option for you might be zombies! Zombie costumes can also be pretty simple, as long as you have some face paint and enough fake blood. You can wear your everyday clothes with it or get more elaborate. This costume idea is great because it can be for any number of roommates and is also gender-neutral (or non-specific). It is also a little bit scarier and is a good compromise for those that like the darker side of Halloween.

Super Heroes

Another great roommate Halloween costume option is to dress up as superheroes! Superheroes are very popular today. You can make up superheroes that fit your personalities. You can be superheroes from the Marvel or DC universes. You can dress up as any kind of superhero you want! Usually, everyone can find at least one superhero that they connect with. There can be as many or as few roommates in your group to dress up as superheroes and it will not make it an odd number, and superheroes come in all shapes, sizes, races, and genders, so there is sure to be a superhero you can be!

Cow Boys/Girls

A simple Halloween costume for you and your roommates is to dress up as Cowboys/girls, depending on what tickles your fancy. Everyone owns jeans, right? That is already half of your costume! Wear your favorite denim jeans, throw on a flannel (and a vest, if you have it), your closest proximation to cowboy boots, a bandana, and get yourself a hat, and there you have it! Instant Cowboy or Cowgirl. If you want to go the extra mile, you can get a shiny sheriff’s badge, a whip, or even a horse head on a stick to gallop around on and really get into character with your friends and roommates.

Deck of Cards

Dressing up like a deck of cards with your roommates for Halloween is another classic Halloween costume choice. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you would like them to be. At its simplest, you can just wear a white shirt with black pants and either draw or pin the letters and card symbol onto your outfit. If you want to go all the way and be an actual card, your group can get white poster boards to make sandwich boards to wear over yourselves. You can all be from the same suit, or you can change it up. Anyone can be whichever card they want. Does one roommate want to be the Queen of Spades? Cool! Does aanother roommate want to be the Two of Clubs? Awesome! There can be any number of cards in a deck (well, really up to 52, but it is highly unlikely that you have that many roommates anyways) and cards are gender neutral too!

Roommate Finder: Roommate Halloween CostumesPhoto from Pexels

You and your roommates know best what group costume will work best for you and encompass the kinds of things you are really interested in, but hopefully, these roommate Halloween costume suggestions will come in handy and help make the decision on what to dress up as just a little bit easier.

Roommate Fall Break Trip Ideas

By Kaitlin Hurtado

As we step further into the fall season, you may find yourself swamped with schoolwork as you also get deeper into your fall semester. There are midterms, extracurricular activities, and trying to plan your holiday season out with travel plans. With all these things stacked up on your mind, you likely haven’t given yourself the break you deserve.

Embrace the fall season and give yourself a much-needed break by planning a fall break trip with your roommates. Not sure where to start? Keep reading for some roommate fall break trip ideas.

Roommate Finder: Roommate Fall Break Trip Ideas

Visit local haunts

If you and your roommates are keen on marathoning spooky movies every fall, why not venture out on your own spooky adventure? If you are fortunate enough to live near amusement parks, many of them have their own Halloween festivities going on as they transform their parks into something for Halloween — Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

If you do not happen to live near any amusement parks, do a quick Google search on local haunted attractions in your area, from abandoned haunted houses to haunted hayrides at a local farm.

Visit local farms for apple picking or pumpkin patches

If you are scrolling through social media during the fall season, you are likely seeing multiple photos of people posing with pumpkins at a pumpkin patch or picking their own apples at an orchard. Take a much-needed break from spending too much time indoors for classes and studying and venture out to your local farm for some fall festivities.
If you are going apple picking, plan a roommate night back at home where you can make use of your fresh fruits. For example, if you all love to bake or spend time in the kitchen, make a mini-competition out of who could make the best dish from the apples.

If you are visiting a pumpkin patch, make an entire night out of it by setting up a pumpkin carving session back at your own home, complete with fall treats and Halloween movies.

Visit a national park

If you and your roommates love the outdoors, plan a roommate fall break trip that will take you directly to it. Choosing to visit a national park during the fall can bring plenty of perks. Not only are you going to see less crowds now that summer is over, but you are going to be able to experience the outdoors as the seasons change the foliage.

Every park will have something different to offer, and depending on how much you and your roommates want to travel, you have a variety of options. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for example, has a large population of deciduous trees. During the fall, they are colored in a variety of red, orange, and yellow — the perfect combination for fall.

With national parks, you and your roommates can also plan a brief camping trip. Make sure to research the national park you are going to visit as camping rules will vary from national park to park, and they may also be subject to closure depending on the weather. If you and your roommates aren’t ones to go camping, you can book a local hotel or Airbnb and enjoy your trip to a national park just as much.

Visit breweries for fall-themed beverages

If you and your roommates are of legal age, plan a day of hopping around breweries. Fall-themed drinks aren’t just limited to the pumpkin spiced lattes you pick up for a long study session. Many breweries will have seasonal drinks to celebrate the season.

Visit a brewery or two with your roommates to unwind over fall-themed brews.

If you and your roommates are more likely to enjoy a wine night, book a wine tasting tour instead.

Visit each other’s hometowns

Depending on how close you are to your roommates, plan a trip or two to visit each other’s hometowns. If you choose to stay with your roommate’s family, you also can get the benefit of a home-cooked meal that will surely beat out dreary dining hall food or the takeout you’ve been surviving on for the past semester.

You may be close with your roommates now, but getting the chance to look at their life back home is a new level of roommate bonding. Have them take you on a tour of their hometown, from their favorite eateries to spots they hold close in their heart from their time before college. Bonus points to them if they could find a fall-themed activity to do in their hometown.

The holiday season brings plenty of opportunities to spend more time with your friends and family, something that is definitely a nice change of pace as you near the end of your fall semester. While finals still loom ahead, treat yourself to a nice fall trip with your roommates.

How to Get a Shy Roommate to Come Out of Their Shell

By Victoria Robertson

Living with roommates is a lifestyle adjustment that not all individuals are fully prepared for. That said, when living with a roommate that’s completely shy, the situation can be made all the more challenging.
However, that’s not to say you can’t help them to come out of their shell and make the most of both of your college experiences. For that reason, here are a few helpful tips to help get a shy roommate out of their shell.

Student Roommates: How to Get a Shy Roommate to Come Out of Their Shell
Photo Via Pixabay

Invite Them Out

First and foremost, when you have a shy roommate, they are likely not going to invite themselves to join you in your plans. For this reason, the first step to drawing a roommate out of their shell and into the world is to actually invite them, regardless of their typical response.

As you build your connection with them at home, inviting them out with you every time you can will suggest to them that you want them to join you, and you’re always willing to have them around. While they’ll likely say no more than a few times, it’s always nice to give them the option. Who knows, they may surprise you.

Adjust Your Plans to Their Interests

When your roommate is shy, they are likely to confine themselves to their comfort zone. So, rather than continually trying to force them to go out according to what you find fun, take the opportunity to listen to them and what they actually enjoy.

For instance, if they aren’t a big partier, but do like occasionally going out to the movies, meet them halfway and have a movie night at home with a few friends. Work together to figure out what works for both of you and make plans accordingly.

Build a Stronger Connection at Home

Your roommate is likely within their comfort zone at home with just you. For this reason, use the opportunity to strengthen the bond between you. Spend time together rather than separately. Take advantage of the fact that you live within close proximity.

When you build a stronger bond with each other at home, you’re more likely to want to do things together outside of the dorm or apartment.

Start Small

Again, shy roommates are less likely to agree to a loud party with a ton of people that they don’t know. So, when you begin inviting them to attend events and other happenings around campus, keep this in mind and instead, start small.

For instance, if you’re meeting a group of friends for a small study group for a gen ed you and your roommate are both taking, invite them to tag along. If you’re simply walking around campus for the evening, ask them to join you. Just take those baby steps to help them open up and get out there.

Be Willing to Compromise

With roommates, regardless of the situation, compromise is key. In other words, within this context, you shouldn’t always be doing what you want to do just because your roommate is shy.

Instead, open yourself up to the ideas that your roommate has. For instance, if they go out with you one weekend, the next weekend, opt to do what your roommate wants to do instead and maybe hang out at home for a quiet night in. Especially when your roommate is shy, when you do things that they enjoy, they’re more likely to feel comfortable with you.

Always Listen to Their Needs

Lastly, as alluded to previously, you should always be listening to your roommate’s needs, just as you are familiar with your own. Compromise is key, but listening is just as important.

If your roommate has suggested their uncomfortable in a certain context, or that there is a certain amount of time they need to open up, respect those wishes. While it’s okay to push them slightly outside their comfort zone, you should still be cognizant of what they want and respect their wishes. In other words, don’t push them into anything they aren’t willing to do.

Drawing a roommate out of their shell isn’t an easy feat, though it’s one that’s going to benefit the both of you in the long run. For this reason, when you’re living with an extremely shy individual, you should take these steps to help ease them out into the college experience.

That said, make sure you ease them into the situation and don’t force anything. Remember that they need to be in control of their actions, so you can only help them so far as they’re willing to be helped. That said, if you take these steps, not only will you both have much more fun, but you’ll also build a stronger bond that will likely last beyond your college experience.