0 CommentsIt’s more common than you’d think.
So, you’re on the Housing Guaranteed Assignment List, or you took time off, studied abroad, or submitted a room transfer request. Maybe it is your roommate that left for whatever the reason. And you now find yourself in the weird limbo of not knowing who (if anyone) you’ll be living with. (If you got to relish in your dingle this is not for you). It’s a situation filled with uncertainty, a little confusion, and, let’s be honest, maybe some quiet dread. It can feel like a lot, especially when your living space plays such a big role in your day-to-day comfort. While it might feel like your entire living situation is out of your hands, there are ways to feel a little more grounded as you navigate the mystery. Whether you’re prepping for a new roommate, hoping for a better one, or bracing for the unexpected, here are some tips to help you stay sane (and maybe even thrive). It’s not all bad, depending on who you ask, and it’s more common than you’d expect.
- COMMUNICATE!
Communication is the key to any healthy relationship. Yes, everyone says this, but that’s because it’s true. The best way to avoid roommate tension is to have important conversations early. Set boundaries, talk about expectations, and try to build at least some kind of mutual understanding. Get to know each other. You don’t have to be best friends. You don’t even have to vibe. But you do have to live together, and that’s a lot easier when you’re not silently stewing over small things. If something’s bothering you, say something, kindly, directly, and soon. Letting little things fester is a fast way to turn a small issue into a big one. There’s also not enough room in these New York style apartments to deal with that tension.
2. Set Up Your Space
If you’re in the room first, go ahead and get cozy. Decorate. Arrange your side the way you want. Create a space that feels like yours. Even if it’s only half of the space that’s yours, if you personalize it you can make the environment all the more welcoming for the both of you. But also leave room, physically and emotionally, for someone else to settle in.
3. Observe and Adjust
Watch how your roommate moves through the space. Are they neat or messy? Light sleepers or late-night study types? Quiet or social? You don’t have to mirror them, but being aware of their habits can help you adjust in ways that make co-living smoother. It is also always helpful to get a sense of their schedule.
4. Be Friendly
As in make the extra effort to showcase your friendliness. You don’t have to bond instantly. But small gestures like saying “hi,” asking about their day, or sharing something casual can ease tension and create a more comfortable space.
5. Have a Backup Recharge Spot
I cannot stress this one enough. I was fortunate to have friends with extra space available for me, but it is very important to find some other form of comfort. Sometimes, your room won’t feel like your safe space. That’s normal. Whether it’s the library, a quiet lounge, a favorite bench outside, or a coffee shop nearby. You don’t have to be “on” all the time. Having space to decompress is essential.
6. Extend an Invite
If you have plans with other friends, or in general, you can always include your roommate. It doesn’t have to be consistent or more than a handful of times, but at least extending the invitation will allow you guys the opportunity to interact with each other outside of your living space. You can also plan something for the purpose of bonding. Who knows, maybe it’ll exceed your expectations.
I’ve heard so many success stories… and many horror stories. Ultimately, the situation will become what you make of it. If you put in some effort, it will most likely be worth it. In the worst-case scenario, maybe this will force you to find other sources of comfort outside of your room. It forced me out of my comfort zone and made for one of my most socially active semesters. Sometimes, you have to take the good with the bad, but either way, it’s only temporary.
Roommate via Bwog Archives
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