How do I adjust to a new roommate?

Question

I am going into my sixth (and final) year of undergrad and am living in an apartment near campus. I moved in last year with a girl I was sort of friendly with, and we soon became good friends. Unfortunately, she moved back home this summer.

Because the units are rented out by bedroom, the management has the right to place another person in the unit with me. And of course... that's exactly what was done. So now I have a stranger moving in with me in a couple of days.

I'm worried because I'm a pretty private person, I don't want her to think this is going to become the "party house" or anything. She sounds sort of young and if this is her first time living "on her own" I don't want to become her babysitter, or have to be the b***h who's always complaining about the noise or the traffic in and out of the apartment. I've already told her that I need to graduate this year so I can't have a lot of distractions, but I'm still worried.

How do I adjust to this stranger in my apartment and not come across as resentful or cold (which are feelings I'm trying desperately to suppress)?

Answer 1

I've had 3 random roommates in my time. They all sucked. There isn't really much you can do other than speak to them if something bothers you and hope for the best. It doesn't seem like there's been any trouble yet though, so maybe you both just need time to get acclimated to one another?

Answer 2

Don't assume you know the person who is moving in.  Be very open with her and explain your intentions in a very calm way.  You have to be able to meet halfway and if you do it will be ok.  You don't have to be best friends but you can get along if you try.

Answer 3

I have a new roommate moving in for this coming year also. The last one was kicked out do to partying and just down right nasty. I live in the on campus apartments so I went to the RA and told her the situation with that girl and had her kicked out. When I found out that a new girl was moving in, I called her and talked to her for a couple times and when we both got to know each other a bit and began to be a bit more comfortable with each other I just came out and told her the rules. I asked her if she parties and said that if she does she can't do it at our place and the apartment is left clean. She said that that was great because she doesn't party and is clean. Which is true. So I think you should talk to this girl and before there are any problems tell her how you live in the apartment. It will help a lot. And give her a chance. She might be a great person. I'm not saying that you have to be her best friend just be yourself and hopefully everything will turn out for the better. Good Luck.