Roommates are almost a necessity — even if you’re learning online. When finding a roommates, make sure you discus what is important to you – how the bills are divided, who does the chores and when, when quiet time is, etc. Once you’ve decided on a roommates that fits with all the big stuff, it’s time to look at the three most common problems with roommates.

 

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• The old “what belongs to who” issue is very typical. You buy a soy milk, your roommate uses it because they think it is for everyone’s use. If you want to be responsible for your own food, label shelves. Talk to your roommate and make sure that they understand that things on your shelves are strictly yours and that your soy milk is just for you.
• Privacy is the other giant issue. If your bedroom doesn’t have a lock on it, how to you keep your roommate from barging in just because they can’t find the phone book? Put up a “knock first” sign. If that doesn’t work, use a rubber door jam. See if you can install a simple indoor lock – or a kid’s buzzer alarm.
• Never leave a note to say something that’s bothering you. No matter how difficult the problem is, leaving a note with make it way worse. How would you feel if your roommate left a note saying “stop being annoying” instead of telling you? Speak to your roommate about problems before they blow out of proportion and try to be civil. They may not even know that they are annoying you – never assume they do.