How To Get Along With A Roommate
Moving in with someone you don’t know can be scary. But it doesn’t have to be like summer camp or prison, where you’re thrown in with a stranger and hope for the best. Searching for roommates with us means that you already have a basic idea of what your future roommate will be like. Still, there are bound to be disagreements, just like in any relationship. Lucky for you, we can help you with that too.
Living with a roommate is great, but it’s not always easy. We’ve been fighting with roommates since we were kids and our roommates were our siblings and parents. But now that you’re an adult, there are plenty of ways to get along better with your roommate, and we’ve got them here for you. Read on, and by the end of this you’ll be getting along like two (or three or four) peas in a pod!
Respect Each Other’s Schedules
Ideally, if you’re using our site you’ll be able to find roommates with similar schedules to you. But that won’t always be the case. So it’s important to communicate and respect schedules.
If you’re bartending until 2 am and your roommate works a 9 to 5, that’s fine. Just make sure you aren’t barging in with your coworkers for late-night drinks and vent sessions. And make sure that they aren’t blasting Shakira at 7am while they’re getting ready for the day.
Be Upfront About Pet Peeves
Everyone has their weird quirks, and that’s fine. It’s what makes us all human. What isn’t fine is staying silent about them, and then blowing up about something that really isn’t that big of a deal to anyone else.
If you need a spotless bathroom, tell your roommates before you all move in together. Even if they aren’t the cleanest humans, they’ll be sure to at least pick their clothes up off the bathroom floor after a shower and clean up their pubes after some landscaping.
Find Common Interests
You don’t have to be best friends with your roommate, but it definitely helps if you can bond on a few things. Take some time to sit down with your roommate and talk about your interests. You could end up having a lot more in common than you thought!
For example, I rarely hang out with my roommate, but after discovering that we both love camping and the outdoors we’ve gone on multiple camping trips and it’s strengthened our bond as roommates.
Even if it’s as simple as a shared taste in music, having those simple connections can make living with someone else much easier.
Respect Each Other’s Space
While finding common interests and bonding with roommates is important, on the opposite side of the spectrum it’s important to also give each other space.
Some people are very hesitant to have roommates because they enjoy living alone, but simply can’t afford that luxury in a new city. So if your roommate shuts themselves in their room, don’t take it personally, and don’t try to force a friendship.
That’s not to say don’t try to be friends at all. Just do it respectfully. Maybe shoot them a text inviting them out for a drink instead of banging on their door demanding they come out with you. This isn’t your bff from college, and while they might be looking for that invitation, they certainly don’t want to feel pressured.
Agree on Chores and Expenses
This is the thing that causes the most fights amongst roommates and has almost ruined a few of my own friendships. You need to communicate and agree on who does what around the house and who pays for certain household items.
Sometimes this can be easy. If one person loves yard work and the other one loves cleaning the house, you’ve got yourself a match made in heaven! But if neither of you wants to do anything, it might be time for the dreaded chore chart.
For household items, the best way to do it is to just shop together. When you first move in, go to the store and buy a shit ton of toilet paper (pun intended), along with paper towels, cleaning supplies, and whatever else you need. This will save you from the inevitable “I bought TP last time!” fight that has been known to end friendships and break up the strongest of couples.
Communicate
Really, all of this boils down to communication. Whether it’s chores, schedules, or personal taste, you and your roommate won’t know how to get along if you don’t know each other. Use our site to get to know potential roommates before you move in. And then use our advice to get along with that roommate once you’ve moved in!
Communicate before you move in. Sit down, have a drink, and talk about everything. Communicate when you’re living together. Need space? Tell your roommate. Wanna throw a party? Ask them first. Pissed about a couple of beers missing out of the fridge? Talk to your roommate and make sure it wasn’t just the person you brought home last night before you blow up. Words are powerful, use them.