By Megan Walsh, Staff Reporter
DO:
So it’s been a couple of weeks since you moved in and the first couple of awkward moments between you and your roommate/suitemates have come and gone right? Well, maybe not.
Flash to about nine on a Monday morning. Your roommate wakes up to find her favorite shirt mysteriously missing. She goes into the bathroom and finds your mess all over the place. Once she’s done cleaning up after you, she proceeds to take a shower, but just when she comes out she is scared to death by the guy sleeping on your couch. Oops! It looks like you forgot to mention that your boyfriend was crashing on the couch after your wild night out.
Don’t get me wrong. It is college. Everyone is sure to make their share of mess-ups. However, it is important to remember that everyone is still adjusting and becoming comfortable in their new environment.
Your roommate may be the greatest person alive who loves everything about you, but that does not mean that they are 100 percent comfortable with all of your habits.
DON’T:
Here’s what nine in the morning should have looked like: Your roommate wakes up, remembering that you asked to borrow her top, and goes in the bathroom that you took an extra couple of minutes to clean before you left. There’s no awkward moment between your roommate and your guy because she met him yesterday.
So, remember a couple of key rules to make the transition a little smoother. Never touch any of your roomie’s belongings without her consent. If you really want your boyfriend to sleep over, make sure everyone you share a space with knows and agrees that he can come over at least two days ahead of time. This way agitating your roommate/suitemates will be avoidable and you will be able to have a better time. Lastly, remember to take that extra step and keep a clean environment for your suitemates/roommate. That means cleaning up after yourself when you use the common room or bathroom.
There is enough stress on roommate relationships as it is, don’t add to it by being inconsiderate.
Something else that might help your room grow closer is getting to know others on your floor better. A great way to interact with your new floor is to leave the dorm/suite door open while you’re there. Old friends, as well as other classmates you may not have met yet, will be able to pop their heads in. College is the time of our lives to make friends and have fun, so start it off with a bang.