#collegeadvice

How to Deal with Difficult Roommates

Living with roommates is a normal part of college or early work life. It can be fun because you share rent, make memories, and maybe even become close friends. But sometimes living with someone very different from you can be hard.

Different habits, personalities, or daily routines can cause tension and stress. The good news? With patience and the right approach, you can manage it well. Here are some simple and practical tips to make your shared space peaceful and positive.

💬 1. Talk Openly and Early

Good communication makes everything easier. When you first move in, talk about what matters, like cleaning, guests, noise, and personal space. Setting clear expectations early helps avoid future arguments.

If problems come up, do not ignore them. Talk calmly and respectfully. Try using “I” sentences like “I feel uncomfortable when the room is messy” instead of blaming statements. It helps you express yourself without starting a fight.

🚪 2. Set Boundaries and Respect Privacy

Everyone needs a bit of personal space. Decide together what is shared and what is private; maybe certain shelves, desks, or drawers are off-limits.

Also, respect each other’s quiet time. It is okay if your roommate wants alone time after class or work. Clear boundaries keep things peaceful and make both people feel comfortable.

🧹 3. Make a Cleaning and Chore Plan

Mess is one of the biggest reasons roommates argue. To prevent this, make a fair cleaning schedule. Rotate chores every week so no one feels stuck with all the work.

You can even make a simple chore chart or use sticky notes on a wall. It keeps everyone responsible, and your room stays neat.

🤝 4. Be Flexible and Compromise

You will not always agree on everything, and that is okay. Living with someone means learning to adjust.

Maybe your roommate likes music while studying, and you prefer silence. Talk it out , make small adjustments, and do not stress over tiny issues. Not every problem needs a big reaction.

☮️ 5. Handle Conflicts Calmly

Arguments happen, but staying calm makes them easier to solve. Avoid giving the silent treatment or being passive-aggressive.

Instead, have a face-to-face talk when you are both relaxed. If things still do not improve, reach out to a resident advisor or counselor. Getting help is not a failure; it is a smart move toward peace.

🌿 6. Focus on the Good and Be Kind

Even if your roommate is tough to deal with, notice the good things about them. Small gestures like sharing snacks or chatting for five minutes can make your relationship better.

You do not have to be best friends; just being friendly can make your living space feel lighter and happier.

🚶‍♀️ 7. Know When to Get Help or Move Out

If nothing seems to work and the situation starts affecting your mental health, talk to your housing office or find another place.

Your peace of mind is more important than trying to fix everything alone.

🌸 Conclusion

Having a difficult roommate can be frustrating, but it also teaches patience, communication, and problem-solving skills you will use for life. By being honest, respectful, and flexible, you can make your space calmer and more enjoyable.

PLAN! Plan everything. Plan what subject you’re going to study first, plan how long you want to devote to each subject, and then record your tasks and then prioritize them. I personally try to narrow it down to three main goals per day. However, as important as planning is, it is important to not spend too much time on this because you don’t want this to become a task in and of itself!

Flashcards are your best friend. They’re perfect for vocabulary and examples, processes and lists, diagrams, really for whatever you need! Make sure to review them on a regular basis and you should do fine. The most important thing to remember is that you need to study it both ways for it to truly be effective and solidify these concepts in your mind.

Form a study group early on in the semester/year. Not only will this make sharing and studying notes a lot easier, it’ll make the process of studying a lot more fun. It’s also a great way to both network and learn other studying methods. I think this is best done by using both Google Docs and deciding to physically meet during breaks so that you can have more interactive study sessions with your classmates.

Please don’t hesitate to contact your teachers and go to office hours. It is an excellent way to form a bond with your teacher because it shows them that you take initiative, and that will certainly impress them. You’ll also definitely learn something, whether it’s clarification on a concept you didn’t completely understand, or it’s a tip that you can carry with you your whole academic and professional life.

Study a little bit every day. Even if it’s only for a half hour every day, just study. It will help you because you’re being exposed to that information every day, making it much easier to stay in your mind. This way, you aren’t scrambling to remember everything from a few weeks ago, and it’ll make it a lot easier to form connections and get help early if you need it. This will make you less stressed come exam time, and will help you appreciate the subject more as well. Studying a little each day will also help you develop your discipline, which is a very important and necessary skill to master.

hey everyone, i’m in my last year of undergrad and i’m super worried about so much. things like: will i even graduate? am i gonna get a job? will i be successful? 

I love college and I am about to be a senior. I am in a five year program, so I get to stay one more year for grad school, but then I will have to be a “real” grown-up. It’s weird to think I am going into my senior of college - it seems like just yesterday I was that nervous girl in my freshman seminar class. 

Advice to incoming college freshman: 

Enjoy it! 

Make friends (I know it’s scary but these will be some of your best friends)! 

Accept and be open to change! 

Try to stay away from the drama! 

Take advantage of the opportunities available on your campus! 

Follow your heart! 

Find an upperclassman or someone to be your mentor! 

Learn how to make a great resume and cover letter (I am still working on this)! 

1. When you meet that cute boy with those blazing blue eyes at a party, and you see that he lusts after you like he does with his liquor and beer. Please run. Don’t stick your hand into the bear’s mouth. He will laugh at your “No”. He will try to force you. Ridicule you. Then after fist bump his buddies. Don’t give him the chance to. Stay with your girls and please keep your phone on you.

2. If you find him or her with another woman, don’t scream at him. Don’t hit him or her. Just walk away. He/She was never yours. Something that was meant to be yours will face a hundred different temptations and still turn them down because the thought of losing you makes them physically sick.

3. Please cry. You need to let go of those feelings. You can NOT carry all those emotions alone. You don’t have drink a bottle of vodka, you don’t have eat a ten pounds of chocolate ice cream, you don’t have to change yourself to feel new. Grab some close friends turn on some music and dance your heart out. Go outside and twirl around in the grass barefoot. Fill yourself with love.