First time living with a roommate? It’s really not that difficult

Mike Treadgold

You’ve moved away from home, left your parents behind, and you are finally ready for your first experience as a free human being. Personal space is at an infinite supply, right?

Not so fast.

Because, if you’re a part of the majority of first-year students who do not have their own room when they experience residence life at the University of Guelph, you’ll soon have to get used to the idea of living with a roommate.

You may be convinced that roommate life is filled with horror stories of awkward sexual encounters, a constant battle for independence and coping strategies for dealing with insomniacs and nocturnal space sharers.

But, take this fear mongering with a grain, or perhaps a full shaker of salt, because by and large, your roommate experience can, and should be positive. And, call it cliché, but to increase the likelihood of enjoying your roommate experience, there’s but one word to remember: respect.

“Back at home, your room is often your easiest escape, but that sacred place might be someone else’s too now,” said second-year student Dan O’Keefe. “If you are constantly at ends with your roommate, then your room is no longer an easy escape.

Keep in mind that the relationship with your roommate will likely be one of the most important ones that you develop in your first year away from home.

A list of rules of roommate etiquette could easily fill two pages, let alone this solitary article, however, there are a few guidelines to consider as you embark on what may be your first space-sharing experience.

First of all, assume that they are likely just as intimidated, if not more than you are. Therefore, use each other and rely on each other. When you go party, bring them along; chances are they’ll offer you the same gratitude at a later stage. Similarly, if you share some of the same classes – which you might, work together. Share notes, experiences and ideas, and proofread each other’s essays. Academic expectations can be among the most daunting university experiences, but Secondly, recognize that the space that the two (or even three) of you are occupying is shared space and general cleanliness should be placed at a premium. Take out your garbage, especially if it contains anything that once resembled food, or items of personal hygiene or contraception.

Thirdly, what are your sleep habits? Snoring, sleepwalking, sleep talking, or repetitive hammering on the snooze button occur in virtually every roommate scenario, so be prepared to deal with these issues and understand that they’re all a part of the experience.

Fourthly, establish a set of ground rules early and make a concerted effort to abide by them. Things to keep in mind when composing your do’s and don’ts: policy on friends/visitors from out of town; policy on sexual or similarly recreational encounters; do you have similar sleeping schedules and/or habits of coming in late? These are all things to consider and doing so will increase the likelihood of the two of you developing a productive and pleasant relationship.

In the meantime, keep an open mind, be tolerant of the lifestyles and behaviours of others, and perhaps, you’ll discover that roommate life really isn’t so horrible after all.

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