Tips for Living with Roommates in College

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Tips for Living with Roommates in College
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• One of the most daunting things about going
  off to college is the thought of living with a
  roommate who is a complete stranger. You could
  end up great friends or your personalities
  could seriously clash. You need to prepare
  yourself for any possibility.

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Try to Be Friends But Not Best Friends

• Reign in your expectations now if youre
  planning to become best friends with your
  roommate. There is always the chance that this
  will happen, but it is still better to aim to be
  good friends and avoid disappointment.

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Talk About Your Sleep Schedule

• Discuss until what time its appropriate to
  have the lights on and what time youll be
  setting your alarms to wake up. Be sure to ask
  about the snooze button a roommate pressing
  snooze multiple times in the morning makes it
  even more difficult for you to stay asleep.

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Plan Bathroom Use

• Plan a schedule for showering on weekdays to
  ensure you always get to class on time. Also talk
  about where youll keep and how youll label
  toiletries and personal items to make it obvious
  that they belong to you.

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Manage Noise Issues

• Decide how youll manage if one of you wants
  to talk on the phone while the other is studying.
  If you find that Fanshawe College accommodation
  is loud in general, consider purchasing a sound
  machine. This is also useful to have if your
  roommate snores. Alternatively, purchase some
  earplugs.

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Avoid Bad Odors

• Talk about whether you and your roommate will
  be eating in your room. You may like to just
  banish strong-smelling foods, but another option
  is to mask any odors with air freshener.

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Deal With Problems As They Arise

• If anything is bothering you, bring it up
  with your roommate right away. For instance, if
  your roommate is bringing people over when youre
  trying to study, address it. You may be able to
  plan such time to go to the library. Simply being
  annoyed and expecting your roommate to notice,
  however, is a recipe for disaster.

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• An alternative option is to not live with a
  roommate at all and to look for houses for rent
  near Fanshawe College instead. If you still want
  the experience of living with other students,
  choose Residence on First. Youll have your own
  room in a suite and share the main areas with
  just a few other students, all of whom will be
  matched with you according to your interests and
  personalities.