How To Survive Annoying Roomates

Whether living in a dorm or renting an apartment, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll    end up with a “problematic” roommate at least once during your college career.     The good news is that you’re not alone.  Many of us have endured the same pain –    like having a roommate unclogging the toilet at 2:30 a.m., or bringing a pet home    you are allergic to– so we’ve compiled ways to help you survive.

Tip #1 – Research, Research, Research (to help prevent future problems)
 If at all possible, try to do some research on your future roommate before you end    up living with them.  In addition to your college’s matching process (if living in a dorm), you can check to see if your future roommate has online profiles on social     networking sites like FaceBook or MySpace. These are great ways to get the scoop on your roommate or shoot them a message in advance to learn more about them. 

You may want to find out if your college offers “shared-interest living communities”.  These communities provide an opportunity for groups of students with common interests to live together. Some groups may include the following interests: Science, Community Service, Religious Diversity, and many others.

Tip #2 – Communication Is Key
 Although it sounds a bit cliché, the key to any successful relationship is communication. If you find yourself in a quandary with your roommate, first try to discuss your concerns. Be sure to address any issues as soon as they arise. People usually respect your requests, and it’s easier to fix a problem before it becomes a recurring habit.

You may also want to consider placing a message board near your door to post “friendly reminders” to your roommate.  (But don’t over-do-it; you may end up fueling some fire!)

Tip # 3 – When All Else Fails, Find A Mediator (or just move out)
So let’s say you’ve talked with your roommate one-on-one and your problems are still unresolved.  When you’re at your wits’ end, you may want to consider a mediator. If living in a dorm, contact your Resident Hall Assistant (RA) and find out if he or she can mediate a meeting between you and your roommate.  When all else fails, you may want to start shopping for a new roommate.

Got A Roommate Horror Story?
Share your horror story and how you dealt with it on our "Annoying Roommates Support Group" message board found in FaceBook!