5 Easy Tips for Getting Along With Your Roommates

Part of being a young adult involves getting support from your fellow peers. As much as we might like to live by ourselves, that is not always possible. receiving help is a perfectly acceptable option when looking for housing, but its not always as easy as just finding a roommate. We all know we can't get along with everyone all the time, and that is especially true when you live with the person. I've personally had my fair share of roommates and have found that following some simple guidelines can go a long way for having a strong healthy relationship with your roommates.

 1. Pick the Right Roommate 

Not everyone is going to be a right pick. If you are someone who values quiet and your roommate uses your place for his band to practice at it may not be the best fit for you. When you meet your roommate discuss possible scenarios before and really get a feel if being roommates is a good idea.




2. COMMUNICATE!
I've had my fair share of roommates, and almost always the problems that arise are due to a lack of communication. It's important to have conversations with the people you live with where you can discuss upcoming events that may effect the both of you, catch up on what's been going on for you recently, maybe you need to let them know you won't have rent till the week after its due... Whatever it is, if it effects the both of you you should let your house mates be aware of it.

3. Set Boundaries
It's important to make your roommates aware of things that cross a line for you. Even if something as obvious to you as "I don't want anyone going into my room unannounced" is important to you you should let your roommate be aware of that. When your roommate does something that you don't appreciate just communicate that whatever they did upset you and you'd like if they didn't do it again.
Examples include: Personal food, belongings you don't want others using, personal space or quiet time, etc....




4. Respect Your Roommates Boundaries
When living with someone its too easy to slip up and accidentally make someone feel disrespected, but we can try our bests to not step on anyone's toes. If you roommate has told you they appreciate it when you wash the dishes you use, try and find some time in your day to wash the dishes or clean up any messes you made in the common space. Good Rules include: Knocking before entering a room, cleaning up messes you made in any communal space, letting your roommate know if your having new people over, if you feel like something you do may make your roommate uncomfortable its always good to just ask them.

5. Be a Good Roommate
This is honestly easier said than done, I know for me personally I don't usually clean up after myself till the mess is unbearable  to me, but of course not everyone shares my view on this. Find some time every day to help around the house, take out the trash if its full, unload the dish washer, change the roll of toilet paper when you finish it, etc...


having Roommates is a great way to save money and build strong friendships, but like everyone else worth while it takes work. I guarantee if you follow these tips you and your roommates will be much happier.