As the fall semester starts, new and returning students make their way to Columbia to make the city home for the new academic year. The living arrangements for these students are as diverse as the student body on campus itself. While some students may live alone in single rooms or single apartments, the vast majority of us will be living with people.
Whether it’s in a residence hall, apartment or house, living with roommates who aren’t family will be a new experience for many. Contrary to living with your family, your new roommates and neighbors aren’t expected to like you, and they have no obligation to do so. For that reason, there are a few things you should know about living with other people.
**Make an effort**
Assuming you actually know the people you’re sharing an apartment with, this applies more for anyone living in a residence hall, but it holds true for anyone. Life in a residence hall or apartment complex is a new and exciting thing for most people, and the best thing you can do to enhance your time there is to make an effort to do more than simply sleep there. Take time to get to know the people on your floor, go to floor events and spend time in the hall’s public spaces. It may feel a bit odd at first, but in the long run, it may just make your time there much better.
**Hit the ground (rules) running**
Though many of us would like to think that a parent-less living situation is an invitation to live without any rules, it doesn’t quite make for an ideal time. When living with other people, setting rules and guidelines — even very informal ones — works to minimize conflict and keep the space as comfortable as possible. Having a simple conversation about basic living habits (cleaning, sleeping, having guests over, etc.) can go a long way.
**Take an extra step**
Sometimes a little goes a long way in terms of favors. Doing the simplest things on occasion — texting them to see if they want takeout too, clearing the dishes from the sink, cleaning the bathroom — can really make your roommates and neighbors enjoy living with you. The more you freely do for the good of your home, the more they’ll want to do the same. Or, at the very least, pick up the tab on dinner next time.
**Conflict resolution**
Life with roommates is hardly ever perfect, but that doesn’t mean that every conflict has to turn into a huge ordeal. When problems arise, it’s important to understand that communication is key in fixing issues. Sit down with your roommate (and possibly a mediator) and calmly explain what the problem is. Make sure both sides of the issue are heard, and work together to find a solution that is acceptable (it may not always be ideal) for both of you. Your solution should ideally be a long-term one that prevents the same issue from arising again.
Living with roommates can be a great experience if you do it right. By setting expectations early and making an effort to really be present in your living situation, you can make your day-to-day life fun and enjoyable for you and those living with you.