Living With Roommates

Living with roommates can be a lot of fun, and sometimes challenging. Whether you share an apartment, a house or a dorm room, a few good habits keep things friendly.

Talk openly and respectfully

Raise issues early and calmly, before they build up. Don’t be afraid of a difficult conversation, but skip the passive-aggressive notes and the confrontations: they only create more tension.

Respect each other’s space and belongings

Ask before you borrow anything. Clean up after yourself in shared spaces such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom, and don’t leave your things all over them.

Keep the noise down

Be mindful of quiet hours. Use headphones for late-night music or TV, and give your roommates notice before you have guests or a party.

Be considerate of schedules

Early classes, a late shift or an exam week change what’s reasonable. Avoid noise when someone is sleeping, and plan shared spaces and chores around everyone’s schedule.

Own your mistakes

If you break something, say so and offer to replace it. If you make a mess, clean it up.

Set clear house rules

Agree early on cleaning schedules, chores, guests, shared groceries and how you’ll split bills. Write the key points down, in a simple roommate agreement, so everyone is on the same page. Check your lease too: if you share a lease, you’re all responsible for the rent.

The bottom line

Good roommate experiences take a little effort from everyone. Communicate, respect each other and agree on the rules, and you’ll have a home you enjoy coming back to.