How to be a Good Roommate
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Transcript of How to be a Good Roommate
How to be a Good Roommate
By: Claire SheldonEnglish 393-Section 501
May 6th, 2010
Who: prospective college students living in on-campus apartments:17-24 years of age
What: teach new college students how to be a good roommate and stay that way
When: process should be completed before roommates move in and continue throughout the semester(s)
Why: to have little or no conflict between roommates
Introduction
If directions are not properly followed:• loss of reputation• loss of housing
Safety Precautions
Patience
Friendly personality
Organization skills
Fairness
Communication
Respect
Materials
Your institution will send a document by mail containing the names of your prospective roommates
Step 1: Retrieve Names of Future Roommates
By phone, email, or social networking sites, talk to your roommates
Confirm the people you have contacted are your roommates
Kindly introduce yourself and briefly explain about who you are
Step 2: Contact Roommates
Write down anything that can be shared
Kitchen ware, cleaning supplies, decorations, furniture, electronics (TV, DVD Player), appliances
Step 3: Make a List of Apartment Items Needed
Make sure your roommates know what they will be responsible for bringing
Shopping together with your new roommates for apartment items can be a bonding experience
Step 4: Divide Up Who Will Bring What
MOVE IN DAY
Make an appoint to talk to your roommates and get to know them
You may not end up being best friends, but acting civil makes things less awkward
By talking, you can voice your opinion and avoid large conflict
Your semester living together will be much more enjoyable if you interact
Step 5: Communicate with one another
Agree on a place for things such as dishes and cleaning supplies to be stowed
This will limit any confusion
Be respectful of your roommate’s opinions; you’re not the only one who lives there!
Step 6: Arrange Where Everything Should Go
Step 7: Decide What Can be Shared
Discuss with your roommates what items you are willing to share (e.g. dishes) and items you will not share (e.g. food, toiletries)
If you know your roommate has an 8:30 a.m. class, don’t throw a party the night before
If your roommate agrees to let you have a party, don’t let your friends pass out in his or her bedroom or common living areas
Step 8: Be conscious of each other’s schedules and personal space
Even though you may have agreed to share certain things, ask anyway
If you use something up, replace it; if you borrow something, return it
This will let your roommates know that you are responsible and will build trust
Step 9: Ask Before You Take Something
When your roommates need someone to study with, help them out
If they need to talk about personal issues, listen to them
Step 10: Be There for Your Roommates
By completing this process, you will become an enjoyable roommate to live with
Obtaining your roommates’ names, contacting them, listing apartment needs, coordinating responsibilities, interacting together, organizing shared items, agreeing on what can be shared, being respectful of each other’s personal space and belongings, and offering help when needed are all necessary in the achievement of being a good roommate.
Conclusion
Problems and ConcernsProblem Solution
I didn’t receive a document from the school with my roommates’ names
Call your institution and have them resend another copy to you.
My roommates and I don’t get along You can agree to disagree, as long as things stay civil. Another option is to request a room change.
The apartment is always a mess Talk to your roommates. It might be uncomfortable, but one awkward conversation is better than four months in a dirty apartment.
We don’t agree on where items should be kept
Try to go compromise; don’t let it be all about you
My roommates keep asking me for advice on uncomfortable topics
Ask another roommate or talk to someone outside of your apartment (classmate, teacher, advisor, etc.)