10 Hacks For Living With A College Roommate

For those #BellarmineBound Knights moving in this weekend, here are tips for starting college on the right foot with your new roomie.

Get down to basics

Get to know each other and ask all the basic questions. Where are you from? What’s your major? Maybe save politics for another day.

Compare schedules

Ask about their class schedule. You may even have some of the same classes! Find out if they are an early riser or a night owl, and where they plan to study.

Share stories

Have either of you ever shared a room with someone? And yes, it counts if you shared with a sibling. If yes, swap some stories about sharing a room - the good and the not-so-good.

Living for the weekend

Ask about their weekend plans. Will they return home or stay on campus?

Gathering the Fellowship

This one's important: how do you each feel about guests? Learn the housing rules when it comes to visitors and respect each other’s feelings about overnight guests.

Set the volume

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Do you or your roommate play your music really loud? It’s important to be mindful and respectful of your roommate and neighbors. Use earphones if your music is too loud or if the noise level disturbs your roommate’s study or sleep schedule. If your tunes can be heard in other rooms, you're definitely too loud!

Any side hustles?

Find out if your roommate has an on campus or off campus job and know their schedule. This is important so you can both establish times for quiet hours/lights out.

Allergies

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Do you have any allergies? If so, what's the level of sensitivity? If your roommate is allergic to nuts, you’ll need to keep the peanut cookies heavily wrapped or not in the room at all. And know that there are other allergies that may be in response to smells, such as perfumes and colognes.

Smoking

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Do you smoke? We know that smoking on campus is prohibited, but sometimes the lingering or residual smell of cigarette smoke can be overwhelming to non-smokers.

RSO interests

Find out about your roommate’s club or organization interests. You may share similar interests, and even if you don't, it could offer chances to meet new people.