When you first think about it, living with other people might sound really fun or… intimidating? Whatever the case may be — I’m here to share my own experiences with roommates on how to make sharing a space more comfortable if it’s your first time doing so!
I’ve had different roommates throughout my three years at university, all of whom I wasn’t acquainted with beforehand. However, these tips also apply if you’re planning to live with a friend!
Tip 1: Getting to Know Them
First, I would highly recommend getting to know your roommate, at least a little. For me, it was definitely a bit awkward at first to ask them to hang out, but spending time together early on helped me feel much more comfortable around my roommates. Understanding my roommate better as we did activities or just hung out formed a nice foundation for living together. If you’re a first-year living in dorms, going to RA events might be a good start.
Tip 2: The Limit List
My first-year roommate introduced me to a “limit list” — a simple way to set boundaries with roommates and avoid making anyone uncomfortable. Things like certain items you don’t want to share can go on this list. For example, I put in my cast-iron pan as it has specific instructions for use, and my roommate put in her favorite cup. Everyone has certain boundaries that need to be respected in order to create a peaceful living environment. I did this after getting to know my roommates better. This way, it didn’t feel too weird. You can also update the list if you or your roommates realize something new, making it an easy way to hold each other accountable.
When it comes to resolving disputes, if they come up, this blog might be a valuable resource!
Tip 3: Sharing Schedules
Try to share timetables so you know, for example, when your roommate or you might need to use the washroom first. Or if you want to invite friends over, so you can check to see if they’re alright with it. This helps avoid conflicts!
Tip 4: Chores
Chores are definitely an area where small arguments happen. My roommates and I made weekly schedules to delegate chores equally. But sometimes I was too tired to do them on time, or my roommate would forget to take out the trash. My recommendation is to communicate about it, and try to be as understanding as possible: everyone slips up sometimes.
Tip 5: Being Open-Minded
Lastly, I recommend being open-minded. Since everyone comes from different backgrounds and cultures, it’s important to be mindful of that when sharing a space. You can communicate if you don’t like certain things, and if needed, call another friend or RA for mediation.
Remember, you don’t have to always make time for roommates and socializing. All of my roommates were amazing, but I wouldn’t say I became close friends with them. And that’s alright — as long as you have a respectful living agreement, you’ll be fine. 🙂
Looking back, living with roommates taught me a lot about communication, flexibility, and respecting others’ space while giving me memorable experiences. Let us know some of your tips for living with roommates in the comments section below.
