In high school many students were used to having their own rooms. They used their rooms to get away, study and relax. But when you go to college and live in a dorm your freshman year, you will probably live with a roommate. You may also share a bathroom with other students. You will not have your own space to get away to, be able to always study in a quiet place, or just relax by yourself. This is a whole new experience and will take some getting used to.

Here are some things to help you make that transition:

• Select your roommate carefully. Most campuses have a roommate matching system. When possible, find a roommate in your major. Beware of making a high school friend your roommate.
• You should try to be friends with your roommate. But if you are two very different people, don’t stress. Over time you will learn to appreciate each other.
• From day one, let your roommate know what is ok and what is not. Your Resident Assistant should make some rules to try to avoid conflicts.
• If your roommate is trying to have a girl or boy over for a “study date”, let them know it can’t go on longer than 11 or whatever time is acceptable for you.
• When studying for a big test, don’t get mad at your roommate for doing things other than studying when he/she doesn’t have a test. Just go to the library or other quiet space.
• Don’t tolerate any illegal activities going on in your room (alcohol, drugs, or stolen items).
• Give your roommate his or her space. It is very easy to feel suffocated when you are living with another person for the first time. Make sure they know that if they need your help, you are there for them. But do not try to force yourself into their problems if they do not want you to.
• Include your roommate in activities. If you are going out with other friends be courteous and invite your roommate.
• Just remember, your roommate has friends too, don’t get upset or make them feel bad if they want to hang out with their friends.

The overall best advice for dealing with roommates is to be patient. You’ll work out your problems if you just give it time to adjust to each other..