Dealing with a Roommate Is Part of the College Experience

For my first three semesters of college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I had one different roommate each semester. It wasn’t because I myself was a horrible roommate. They all only stayed a semester for their own reasons.

One dropped out. Another transferred schools. And the other couldn’t live with other human beings.

Case in point, they were all quirky in their own way. There were ups and downs, but at the end of the day, everyone must deal with a roommate at some point in college. Here’s what it taught me.

Expect the Unexpected

You never know what will happen when living with a roommate. During my three semesters with them, I saw it all.

One puked everywhere after stumbling in drunk. I walked in on another having sex. Another one screamed into the phone at his girlfriend.

When living with almost a complete stranger, be prepared for anything like snoring, restless sleeping and bad smells. You’re better off prepared than not.

Respect Their Belongings

Their side of the room is their side of the room. Period. There’s no other way around it. You have to respect their belongings.

No matter what it is, don’t touch it. Respect them for who they are. Not only will it help you two get along better, but you’ll save yourselves from fighting over something stupid.