48 • | AUGUST 2020 | BACK TO CAMPUS GUIDE | STUDENT LIFE
THE STANDARD
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New roomie? No problem!
Illustration by Madison Harper/THE STANDARD
When it comes to a healthy roommate relationship, communication about boundaries can ensure everyone is on the same page. PAIGE NEWTON Staff Reporter @PagesofPaigeM Most freshmen hope as they come into college they’ll become fast friends, or at the very least friendly acquaintances, with their dorm or suite roommates. Most freshmen, though, have never experienced sharing a room, especially one so small. Things can quickly take a turn for the worse if boundaries and expectations of all parties are not set and agreed upon. Setting boundaries and expectations early on can help prevent future fights and encourage a positive, honest relationship between roommates. Nick Speake, an alumnus, said practicing communication is the most important thing to do when living with a roommate. Speake also said it’s important to establish what belongings are shareable and what ones aren’t. “Sharing is caring, but it’s still important to have your own things,” Speake said. “Share your TV or food, but also make it clear what
you don’t want your roommate to use.” Speake said freshmen should invite their roommates on outings with them. “The worst your roommate can say is, ‘no,’ so don’t be afraid to ask,” Speake said. “Whether it’s going to the dining hall, a shopping trip or even to get the mail, sometimes just asking is enough to build a connection over time.” Speake also said roommates should come to an agreement on room cleanliness. “Talk about how clean you think the dorm room should be, and try to come to an agreement with your roommate by finding a middle ground,” Speake said. “Also, establish a rotation for cleaning. If you live in a suite, then someone can clean the bathroom while someone cleans the kitchen. Each cleaning day, the roommates can switch.” Shelby Michael, a junior fashion merchandise and design major, said roommates should show respect and be fair to each other in the shared living space. “Clean up after yourself if you make a mess and divide the space equally,” Michael said. Michael recommended being open to new
