During the glory days of college, there comes a time in one’s life when they might have to share a room, an apartment or a house with someone. Roommate problems follow next. 

The joys of independent living can quickly turn into horrors when the companion you share your space with is someone you’re not compatible with.

So, how do you stop those bridges from burning? Here are a few tips to help your roommate experience be less stressful.

Honest and open discussion time

Set up a meeting time every month or two months to discuss the house rules. Sit together and address concerns. Mediate ways to avoid them. However, throughout it all try to make sure the tone and atmosphere is maintained.

Come up with a timetable for chores

Split up chores and keep updating the task list. Too much burden on one person manifests itself as a roommate problem. Prevention is better than a cure, even when it comes to roommate issues

No-judgement zone

Try not to judge the way an individual eats, studies, and functions. Once the discomfort sets in, the cold war follows. Try to initiate a no-judgment attitude. 

Reason with yourself

Take a moment to consider how you would react if a beloved family member or a dear friend had made the identical mistake as your roommate. Would you offer them your forgiveness? If your heart leans towards understanding and forgiveness in that scenario, then extending the same kindness to your roommate could be a positive step forward.

Avoid blame game

Don’t lay the blames directly on them. Understand that for a positive experience, you all have to work together for it.

Set assertive rules

Set assertive and realistic house goals. Make it known that somethings must be taken care of no matter what the cause of it is. Dirty dishes, laundry days, garbage disposal and bathroom schedules are examples of must-do’s.

Be direct and honest

Try to initiate an environment where you make sure to talk your problems out face-to-face. Avoid passive aggressive behaviour that might unnecessarily make the situation bigger than it originally was.

Filter your opinions

Sometimes, it’s best to keep our opinions to ourselves and let the other person know to do the same. If you point out a situation or behaviour that isn’t closely related to a problem or is a sensitive topic for the other person and isn’t helping to better any situation, keep it to yourself. Afterall, you don’t want to be too nosey and create more roommate problems.

Don’t think you’ll be best friends

There are times when your roommates may become your best friends but that isn’t always the case. Don’t set unrealistic expectations. Most problems come from you expecting too much from an individual. Take a step back if you realize you’re too dependent on them.

Embrace the differences

Each person comes from a different family, culture or even continent. Embrace the differences. Ask and educate yourself when it comes to making opinions on them.

In the end, if you realize you’re trying your best, but are still facing issues dealing with roommate problems. Reach out to the Conflict Resolution Clinic (CRC). Located at the Longo Faculty of Business, the clinic is fully equipped to take care of all disputes, arguments and problems.

Here’s a skill you can work on in college: Leadership

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