Need Answers on a College Experience?

Question

I am a girl who will be sharing a dorm with 3 roommates--All GIRLS-- this fall. There will be one bathroom, one kitchen, and 2 people sharing one bedroom.

Do you have any advice or learned lessons to share with me on how to maintain a respectful and agreeable living arrangements with them?

~~What are some fair rules that would be useful to follow?

Thanks =}

Answer 1

I lived with 7 additional girls last year (2 baths, 4 bedrooms & 1 common room). I would just say lay out responsibilities in the beginning. Sometimes one person will end up doing more than another, just try to make it all even out. Also know that there will be times when things get a little rough, always are. Doesn't mean it won't get better. We had our share of fights last year but its always resolved. Just talk about EVERYTHING. When you can have people over, who will do what cleaning, how late/loud you can be. Everyone has their own expectations but as long as you discuss it all in the start, you should be fine!

Answer 2

Hash out the rules at the beginning of the year.  For example--

-will you be taking turns taking out the trash?  

-How about toilet paper, will everyone chip in?  

-Do you clean up your own mess immediately after you're done using the kitchen, or take turns cleaning the kitchen?  

-How soon should dishes be done?  

-Will you use each other's kitchenware, or each use their own?

-Quiet hours --when should they be?  

-Should you/your roommates ask each other before having people over?

-Are you comfortable with them having their boyfriends over?

-How do you feel about drinking/smoking in the apartment?

-Do you take turns cleaning the bathroom?

Good luck!

Answer 3

A good place for polite messages is dry-wipe markers on the toilet tank!

Answer 4

as long as everyone communicates it should be fine!

Ask them if they want to have weekly meetings about the living space or if they think it should be 1 time a month!

during these meetings no one is wrong people just express how they feel!

i feel cluttered when there are p apers in the kitchen and slightly scared because of the stove being next to them!  how can we fix this!  what can we all agree  on!

you are not placing blame on anyone your stating how you feel!  if they care even one bit they will take that into consideration and reply with

oh that's my stuff. i'm sorry i'm a bit messy i will try to pick up more after my studing!  or they may question you back!  

oh yeah that's my stuff. nothing is going to happen!  

then you reply with

i'm sure nothing will but i feel scared and nearvous!  have you tried to study when you feel scared or nearvous? it makes me lose my focus on my studies!  and i know it don't make you scared but it does me and I live here too!

communication!  be honest and present it well! and you will be fine!

Answer 5

Talk to them in the beginning about your expectations for the year.  How clean you want the room, who will clean the kitchen/bathroom (maybe each person does that once a month?), how late you want to stay up, etc.  When I first moved into college, my roommate and I did not do this.  I ended up very frustrated with her not cleaning the room, not buying food, taking my food, etc.  So talk to them in the beginning.

Answer 6

Respect sleeping and study times. Everyone should help with the cleaning. Respect others space (You shouldn't have to walk in and find a roomate having s*x on your bed, that kind of stuff).

Watch personal property. Stealing accusations can ruin an otherwise good set of roomates.

Answer 7

Everyone picks up after themselves.  No exceptions.

Answer 8

The most important thing is to understand that you are living with different individuals who have their own values and preferences. They will do things to get on your nerves as you will to them. Don't sweat small things.

Have rules that all of you can agree on but not too stringent because someone WILL break one here and there.

Make friends fast and have some place to crash when they get on your nerves or to just get away from the insanity of having 3 roommates.

Answer 9

Eitherway, stuff happens, just don't accuse anyone of anything, and keep your distance just in case, don't bring your bf over too much, and don't be too loud. Smile and laugh a lot if you can.

I know from experiance. Except with males.

Answer 10

Post your class schedule on a board or on the fridge. It helps to know each ones schedule so they get priority for the bathroom and such, if they are on a rush or late for a class.

Answer 11

Get to know your roommates as well as you can, be open to new things, if you dont like your roommates get out as soon as possible most colleges will let you change roommates if its still early

Answer 12

Clean after yourself before you are told/asked to do so.

Answer 13

I share a desk at work.  I have a personal rule that I will keep my desk cleaner than I usually would if it were my own.  My desk at home is a sty.