breaking.it.down

Here are Breaking.It.Down’s tips for avoiding unnecessary problems with your roommate:

1. Fill out your roommate contract honestly: Nobody is judging you based on your survey answers, so tell the truth!

2. Make a roommate contract: It doesn’t matter if you are a freshman who’s never shared a room or a senior who’s had roommates before… you need some type of roommate contract! When can people be in the room? What your sexile policy? When can you throw parties in the room? Do the rules change during exams? If you want to make your life easier, answer these questions sooner rather than later.

 3. Chill With the Snooze Button: This seems like a small issue, but it always helps to be respectful of each other’s sleep schedules. If you have class at 10 and you get out of bed at 9, there’s no reason to set your alarm at 7. If you wake up earlier than your roommate, there’s no need to blast music while you’re getting ready if you can put in your head phones. Messing with your roommate’s sleep is the easiest way to build unnecessary tension.

4. Make a Schedule:  If you share any common space (especially a bathroom or kitchen) you NEED to have schedule for cleaning up. Dirty bathrooms and roaches are not cute, so make sure you know who is responsible for cleaning up. 

5. Get Your RA to step in if you need a mediator: Instead of going off on your roommate if they’re annoying, talk to your RA about how to handle the situation. 

-The Breaking.It.Down Team