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Responsibility - Living with a roommate often means splitting chores, bills, and respecting shared spaces.

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Communication styles may vary -

Effective communication is key; learn to adapt to your roommate's communication style, as they should to yours.

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Alone time is key - While sharing space, it's important to communicate your need for alone time, and to respect your roommate's need for the same.

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Setting boundaries is essential -

Boundaries including how to organize shared spaces like the fridge and cabinets can help avoid mix-ups and future disagreements.

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Try problem solving as a team (it helps!) -

From resolving conflicts to managing household chores, tackling challenges together can strengthen the bond between two people.

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It’s necessary to set ground rules - Consider a roommate agreement or contract. This might seem extreme, but there's just something about getting it down on paper that makes it real!

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WhatsApp or Facebook groups are a must - Sometimes things arise and having a way to reach one another is helpful. The ability to handle something with a text or quick call is useful.

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Everyone has different versions of what “early morning” or “late night” means - People have varying schedules, so what is early for one, might be very late for another. Discuss what’s acceptable from a noise perspective at these times.

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Schedule cleanup days -

While cleaning should ideally be spread throughout the week and divided among all roommates, scheduling a specific cleaning day ensures it all gets done.

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Everyone has different versions of what “clean” means -

For one, clean might mean tidy, while for others it could be scrubbing the baseboards every day. Discuss the quality that’s needed and expected.

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Everyone has a different version of what “quiet” means -

Whether it’s music, talking on the phone, or something else entirely, people’s preferences in terms of noise level can vary greatly.

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Guests -

It’s important to share if you’re going to have someone over and to respect the noise level. These courteous gestures often go a long way.

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Just because you're good friend doesn't mean you’ll be good roommates - It's important to keep an open mind, because life at home can be very different from other scenarios you may have been in previously.

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Using “I” statements can help reduce conflicts -

When speaking with one another, use statements that reflect how you feel and what you experienced. “I” statements help diffuse potential conflict.

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Accountability is important -

To help avoid escalating conflicts, learn to take responsibility for your actions. If it was a mistake, just say so, but own it.

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Develop patience and tolerance - Sharing a space with another person requires patience, as you'll encounter habits and quirks that may differ from your own.

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Makes you more adaptable - Living with a roommate means needing to adapt to their preferences, routines, and unexpected situations.

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Improves your resourcefulness -

Sharing resources encourages you to find creative solutions when something runs out or a task is needed to be completed.

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Teaches you empathy -

Everyone has their good times and their bad; have empathy for one another and say “I’m sorry,” if applicable.

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Prioritization -

Having a roommate teaches you about prioritization of tasks and needs. It also shows you that being flexible is important.

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Gratitude - Roommates teach you to be thankful for things you take for granted like quiet space, your own things, etc.

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Negotiation skills - Negotiation skills are sharpened by splitting bills, setting curfews, and deciding on everything from thermostat temperature to guest policies.

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Honesty - Open and honest communication, whether it's about sharing chores, respecting boundaries, or addressing roommate conflicts, becomes second nature when you have a roommate.

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Active listening -

Key to understanding your roommate's needs and perspectives, active listening leads to smoother compromises and a more peaceful living space.

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Be respectful - Being respectful includes knocking before you enter their room, not touching or moving their personal items (unless told otherwise), and trying your best to be kind and courteous.

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Money management -

From on-time rent payments to electricity bills, sharing expenses and budgeting become essential skills when living with a roommate.

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Conflict resolution -

Having a roommate teaches you to proactively resolve conflict and how to appropriately respond when there is something that can’t be avoided.

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The importance of fun - Though having a roommate can be challenging at times and teach you numerous life lessons, remember to have some fun! Your roommate can end up being one of your best friends.

Sources: (Newsweek) (ESN Rotterdam) (Everyday Health) (LawDepot) (Haven Wellness) (LinkedIn) (Common) (CollegeXpress)  (University of Colorado Boulder)

See also: These stars used to live together

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