Things To Talk With Your Roommate Before College Starts

They say, your college roommate will either be your best friend or your enemy. Of course, who would want to have an enemy just before starting college? With the proper attitude matched with sensitivity and consideration, you can easily turn a stranger into a friend.

Roommates help a lot in coping with daily college life. From helping you with dorm chores, cooking your meal, motivating you during a stressful week, and even joining your tour around town. So, before college starts, you need to discuss things with your college roommate. This way, you will understand each other from different perspectives while reaching a consensus.

Here are some topics you and your roommate may need to talk about.

Get to Know Each Other

First things first, take some time to get to know your roommate. When you find something that both of you have in common, it is much easier to connect. A simple text or direct message to your roommate describing yourself is already a great feat. From then, you can follow by talking about your hobbies, talents, dream career, and more. Initiate asking questions for him to know that you are interested in knowing him.

Contact Info

It is best to ask for your roommate’s contact info right after introducing them. You wouldn’t know the help it brings whether you have a question or whatnot. Give them your email address and phone number so you can contact each other easily. With just a few clicks, you won’t experience any hassle.

Ground Rules

While there is a roommate contract that you can both agree and sign, it is nice to also establish ground rules for the shared space. Establishing rules, whether big or small, can prevent future conflict. Write down the rules agreed upon that may include food policies, quiet hours, visiting policies, cleaning schedule, and more. This is a great way to set boundaries for each other. When a rule is not followed, talk about it so that you can both learn from it and move on.

Who’s Bringing What?

You may need to discuss this as this is perhaps the most important topic to talk about. Who is bringing this and that? Not everything that you and your roommate will bring into the room will fit in. So, to maximize the space while not wasting energy and money, it may be best to decide who will bring certain items.

Health Concerns

It is also great to talk about health and allergy concerns. If you are allergic to something—such as peanuts, for example—your roommate will learn not to bring peanuts into the room. Let your roommate know in advance so things can flow smoothly.

Decoration Ideas

If you are an artsy and creative person, you might think of designing your wall. Talk about this if it is okay with your roommate. It can be a great bonding experience, but it can also make personalities clash. Try to brainstorm room ideas from posters, rugs, curtains, and lights.

Explore more things about getting along well with your roommate to choose the perfect roommate. Browse through our page, MSM Unify.