Posted August 18, 2016

Temple Survival Guide: The do's and don’ts of being a good roommate

If you’ve just moved into your new room, please do us a major favor and look up from your phone and say hi to your roomie. Roomie, you too. Hiiiiii. Okay, now that you’re acquainted, there are some important things you should discuss since you’ll be coexisting in the same room for the next year. Like, what are the snack rules? What time is bedtime? What’s your stance on squirrels? Here are some do's and don’ts to help keep the peace when sharing the nest.

Boundaries: have them.
Whether you’re moving in with your best friend or your soon-to-be BFF, it’s important to establish and respect boundaries that work for both of you. It’s fun to consensually share snacks. What’s not fun is coming back to find that your roommate polished off your prized box of hard-earned Cheez-its.
Decorate wisely.
As it’s said, there’s no accounting for taste. Be aware that some decor may be offensive to your roommate.
Take your roommate agreement seriously.
It’s easy to be blasé or eager-to-please at the start of the semester, but it’s important to actually discuss habits early on to avoid issues later. Don’t hesitate to amend the agreement throughout the year if the need arises.
Don’t be a slob.
Seriously. Clean up after yourself. Wash your dishes. Don’t leave your hair clogging up showers and sinks. Flush the toilet.
Keep it down.
Since you’re in *college* now, you’ll need study time; so will your roomie and neighbors. Save the dance party for when everyone is finished working—Beyoncé isn’t going anywhere.
Try an open door policy...
Psyched to make friends and get to know your fellow dorm dwellers? Keep your door open. But be sure you and your roommate are in agreement about when to accept visitors. It *might* come off weird if you’re greeting guests at 5 a.m.
..but know when to shut it.
Like when you’re not there. Or when you need some quiet time.
Carry your keys. Yes, even to the shower.
Imagine being locked out of your room with just your towel and shower caddy. Fear officially induced.
Be attentive when microwaving.
One quick way to make enemies? Causing a fire drill. You’d be surprised how many burnt bags of popcorn have led to building evacuations—and scorn for that guy who will forever go down as the popcorn perp.
Set an alarm.
Don’t be that person who leaves loads of clothes in the washer or dryer. Set an alarm to remind you to retrieve your belongings and give someone else a chance to use the machines.
Make the most of it.
Cliché, but true. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet some of your best, lifelong friends. Embrace every weird, inside-joke-worthy moment.

- Meaghan Bixby