Respect Personal Space: Respecting personal space is essential for maintaining peace and respect within shared living or working environments. Start by discussing and establishing clear boundaries regarding personal space. This could include designated areas for individual belongings, agreed-upon quiet times, and guidelines for shared spaces (https://www.vox.com/even-better/23279320/roommate-tips-getting-along-chores).
Set Ground Rules Together: Setting ground rules together is a proactive approach to maintaining harmony and order in a shared living space. The best way to start is by prioritizing key areas where ground rules are needed. This could be things like hygiene, noise levels, guests, or sharing common resources (https://amberstudent.com/blog/post/tips-for-living-with-a-roommate).
Be Considerate: Small acts of consideration are the building blocks of a healthy relationship roommate, small things such as respecting your roommate’s boundaries and privacy (https://www.centralbank.net/learning-center/being-a-good-roommate/). Knock before entering their room and ask for permission before borrowing or using their belongings. Avoid going through their personal belongings without permission and refrain from prying into their private affairs. Respecting boundaries creates trust and mutual respect in the roommate relationship.
Address Issues Promptly: If Conflict arises, address the matter promptly and maturely. Avoid letting tension grow by discussing concerns openly and finding solutions to them. Be Flexible: Recognise that everyone has different preferences and priorities when it comes to sleeping schedules, socialising, and household responsibilities. Some people may be early risers, while others prefer staying up late. By understanding and respecting these differences, you can create a more accommodating living environment (https://www.buzzfeed.com/augustafalletta/how-to-live-with-roommates).Show empathy: Putting yourself in your roommate’s shoes is an essential aspect of fostering a healthy and supportive living environment (https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/blog/2020/campus/roommate-tips.html). Each person brings their unique background, experiences, and perspective to the living arrangement. By taking the time to understand your roommate’s background, including their upbringing, cultural background, and life experiences, you can gain valuable insights into their values, preferences, and behaviour.
Embrace Diversity: Embracing the diversity of experiences and backgrounds that you and your roommate bring to your shared living space is a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and cultural exchange. Celebrating each other’s uniqueness can enrich your lives and deepen your bond.
Our Berea Technical College and Berea College of Technology students often leave the comfort of their homes and come to the city to study. Do your research thoroughly to see the best accommodation options available near your campus. Look at aspects of location for safety and convenience. And if you must share with a roommate, consider a brief interview, so you can understand if you will be able to live together harmoniously. Remember this choice is very important for your study journey as going home to a supportive roommate can make your course so much more enjoyable.