You walk into your first-ever dorm room experience only to find someone who looks totally unlike anyone you’ve ever befriended has already claimed the top bunk. Sigh.
Are you doomed for a delinquent dorm experience? Maybe not. Here are some tips to consider when you’re faced with a problem roommate.
Problem: Your roommate talks loudly, plays music loudly and has loud friends to boot. How’s a quiet guy like you supposed to deal?
Solution: Remember that your roommate pays for half the room, so he’s entitled to listen to his favorite tunes or hang out with his favorite friends in it. Just like you are. But you’re also within your rights to ask him to turn the music down or meet his friends elsewhere if you’ve got some massive studying to do. Do some exploring on campus to find a quiet place to do most of your studying or to get your alone time. And if it really becomes a problem, set up specific times when you and your roommate can use the room however you want. Sunday nights might be off-limits for visitors, for example, but Fridays and Saturdays may be available.
Problem: Your roommate snores. Loudly.
Solution: Have you tried turning on a fan by your bed? It creates just enough white noise to block out the snoring and lull you to sleep. Earplugs can be lifesavers. Try asking your roommate to sleep on his or her other side—sometimes the difference helps alleviate snoring. (At least until you get to sleep.)
Problem: Your roommate is a slob.
Solution: Push all of your roommate’s clothes, food and books that are on the floor to her side of the room. Make sure the line between your “sides” is clear, and maybe she’ll be envious of your tidiness.
When dealing with a problem roommate, the best solution is to always try talking about the issues first, just like you would with a wayward brother or sister. Try approaching them with one complaint at a time so they don’t feel threatened or overwhelmed with all the changes you expect. Before going to your roommate with issues, consider why you are bothered by their behaviors. Were you raised in a house in which you couldn’t do anything until your room was dusted? Do you get headaches easily when you are around loud music? The more you are aware of your reasons for getting upset, the better able you are to judge whether or not you’re overreacting—or if your roommate really does need to amend his or her behaviors.
