College Roommate Tips
Roommate Rituals: How Small Traditions Build Big Bonds
Living with a roommate in college, whether in the dorms or off-campus, can be difficult. You may not know each other well, but getting to know each other will help you make the most of the school year together. One way to do this is to have rituals and traditions that you do together to help get to know each other and bond.
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Roommate dates
One way to bond is to spend time together, and this can be accomplished through roommate dates. Pick one day a week when you and your roommates are free and dedicate some time to doing something together. This can be anything from dinner to spa night and more. Take turns picking an activity, or have a set activity that you do during this time. Be sure you allow time to talk, even if you do something active.
TV shows
Many people dedicate time to watching TV shows with another person, be it a friend or a romantic partner. This is something you and your roommate can do together as well. It works especially well for live TV with shows that are released the same time each week or with streaming platforms that release one episode each week. Even if it is a show with all of the episodes already out, dedicate time to watching the show to do so with your roommate. Resist the temptation to watch ahead, or things may get heated!
Game night
Games, whether they are card games, board games, or video games, are a great way to bond with your roommate. They are a fun way to be competitive and relax. You may even opt to invite friends so you can get to know each other’s friend groups as well. If you have enough people, you may even decide to do a full tournament or play on teams. Take turns picking games and have snacks on hand. Try not to be too competitive as this may lead to hurtful comments that you did not mean being said.
Cleaning day
While you may have different schedules and chores, it is more fun to do your cleaning together to hold each other accountable. Pick a day and time to clean together so you can each do your fair share of work while having fun together. Create a playlist or listen to an audiobook to help distract you and make the time more pleasant. Doing cleaning tasks together will allow you to get more done, especially since you have a dedicated time for it. It allows you a chance to work together to take care of your living space.
Mini book club
If you and your roommate love to read, host a mini book club where you read a book, preferably outside of your assigned school reading, and come together to discuss it at a chosen date. You may decide to read one chapter a week and discuss it weekly, or choose one book each month and discuss it at the end of the month. Take turns picking the book, and have discussion questions on hand to help jumpstart the conversation. This will allow you and your roommate to find out what each other’s interests are and what opinions you have on certain subjects within the books. Having these discussions, even if you disagree, will help you build confidence in sharing opinions and concerns with each other when you do not agree on the issue at hand.
Exercise class
During college, it can be difficult to find ways to stay active and be healthy. Find your campus’s gym or another local fitness facility and go to an exercise class together. The dedicated day and time will hold you accountable to actually go, and you will be spending time with your roommate. Consider trying something completely new, as this will give you a chance to learn something or even laugh at yourself in the process. Having someone holding you accountable and a day and time to put in your planner or schedule will make sure you actually go and hold yourself to staying healthy, even when things are busy.
Campus club
Your campus likely has student clubs and organizations. Find a club that fits your schedule and your roommate’s schedule as well, and go to meetings together. The meetings may be weekly or monthly, but they are a chance to spend time with your roommate, meet other people, and pursue something you are interested in. The clubs may be connected to your chosen field, or they can be a fun hobby like crafts or poetry. Use these clubs as a chance to build your network, even if it is not connected to the career you want to pursue.
You and your roommate will be living together, so even if you do not become best friends, it is still a good idea to get to know each other and spend time participating in traditions and rituals that will bring you closer together.
Moving Out Without Drama: Ending A Roommate-ship Gracefully
While your roommate or roommates may be great people, sometimes they’re not exactly the best to live with. If you have the means to leave and find somewhere else to live to lighten your stress load, if not done correctly, there’s bound to be drama, which can cause significant turmoil in your apartment or home. It’s probably best for all parties, yourself included, if you end this roommate-ship gracefully.
Sometimes, you don’t fully know what people are capable of until they’re pushed to their limits–let’s do our best to avoid this! So, here’s how you can move out without drama and end your roommate-ship gracefully.
Have a Plan
If you haven’t mentioned your desire to move yet, you should hold off until you have a concrete plan. Wait until you’ve found somewhere else to live, new roommates, and talked to your landlord about breaking a lease. You want to ensure this is something you can follow through on before you bring it up.
If you were only speaking in hypotheticals and something happens to fall through, it could cause some drama. Now that you’re stuck with a roommate who knows you want to leave them, they could become bitter, and it could start some kind of drama. Know where you’re going, when you’re leaving, and how you’re getting there.
Talk to Your Landlord
As mentioned above, talking to your landlord should be a part of ending this roommate-ship peacefully. If you just up and break the lease, it can stick your roommate with extra rent, broken lease agreements, and in serious cases, a visit to small claims court. If you want to keep things drama-free, negotiating with your landlord is the best option.
Negotiate how long you and your roommate have to find a replacement roommate, if you’ll still be responsible for rent until they do or until the lease ends, or anything else, so your roommate doesn’t get the short end of the stick. The terms you and your landlord agree on will differ for all landlords and circumstances, but be open and honest. They may be sympathetic to a poor roommate situation and willing to help you out a little more.
Communicate Your Reasons
It’s not recommended to just up and leave without some kind of communication to your roommate for a plethora of reasons, such as concern for your safety, and it can leave them worrying about the lease. Even if things aren’t on good terms between you and your roommates, you still need to sit down and have an open talk about why and when you’re leaving. So, once you have your plan, find a common time to sit down or talk to them if they don’t seem busy.
Even if, in your opinion, things are your roommate’s fault, don’t phrase it in such a way. Directly blaming someone can cause your roommate to get defensive and blow up. A roommate-ship is two-sided, so take part of the blame while still being honest. Maybe your cleaning habits and expectations didn’t match well, maybe they’re too much for you, or maybe you have a really, really long list. By being honest, it won’t cause any confusion.
Sometimes, this talk can feel like a breakup, but the goal isn’t to break anyone’s hearts. Be kind, honest, and straightforward. If they get upset, don’t just run away. If you still want to be friends, stress that!
Only Take Your Belongings
Once you’re ready to move out, you should only take what is yours, but unfortunately, this can be easier said than done sometimes. Many roommates split the costs of a lot of furniture, kitchen appliances, and bills such as the internet. You need to discuss how to handle these specific items going forward.
Some roommates who become ex-roommates decide to split these items evenly, whether in terms of value or, for example, split 10 items into 5 each. Alternatively, you can reimburse each other for a specific item. Did you both buy a coffee maker that only you use? Consider paying your roommate for their half of the coffee maker.
Next, you should double-check all of your clothing and linens to ensure they didn’t end up in your dresser on accident after a hectic laundry day. You don’t want to be branded a thief for an accident!
Ideally, you don’t want to start a fight over these items. Keep it peaceful so you’re able to move out without any extra drama from your belongings.
As long as you plan ahead and remain calm throughout your entire moving out, you should be able to avoid as much drama as possible and exit this relationship gracefully. It might be very stressful and nerve-wracking, but don’t take it out on your roommate, even if things aren’t great between you two.
Sun, Fun, and Roomie Time: 10 Fun Summer Weekend Activities to Do with Your Roommate
By Ella Shauman
Summer is a time to relax and de-stress from the heavy class schedules and the constant cycle of midterms and finals. But even with all that well-deserved free time, it’s easy to fall into a routine of binge-watching Netflix or scrolling your day away on TikTok. If you’re living with a roommate this summer, whether in your college town or back home, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore all the places and activities you haven’t had the time to and make some memories together. So, how do you make the most of your summer weekends without breaking the bank? Here are ten roommate-approved weekend activities to bring some joy to your summer.
1. Host a Themed Backyard Picnic
Take your ordinary lunch and make it memorable. Pick a theme—Parisian café, tropical luau, cottagecore tea party—and run with it. Pack homemade sandwiches, fruit, and maybe a fancy drink or two (mocktails, anyone?). Bring out a speaker, throw down a blanket, and soak up some sun. If you’re feeling extra, plan outfits to match the theme for the ultimate photo op. No yard? Head to your nearest park or rooftop and bring the picnic to the city.
2. Plan a DIY Spa Day
Who says you need a high-end resort to feel pampered? Grab some sheet masks, cucumbers, Epsom salts, and a couple of fluffy robes (or just your comfiest loungewear). Light some candles or diffuse a couple drops of your favorite essential oils and unwind. You can even take turns giving each other manicures or pedicures.
3. Go on a Mini Food Crawl
Pick a food category—tacos, ice cream, coffee, sushi—and create a mini food crawl around your city or neighborhood. Hit up three to four local spots and rate each one based on taste, vibe, and presentation. You’ll get a taste of the local scene, support small businesses, and maybe even find your new favorite spot.
4. Be Tourists in Your Own City
Even if you’ve lived in the same place for years, chances are there are museums you haven’t visited, trails you haven’t hiked, or local landmarks you haven’t seen. Challenge each other to plan a tourist-style day complete with cheesy souvenirs and photos. If you’re looking for some help unearthing hidden gems, check out apps like Atlas Obscura to help point you in the right direction.
5. Take on a Weekend DIY Project
Whether it’s redecorating your apartment, painting matching canvases, or trying your hand at air-dry clay crafts, a DIY weekend can be both productive and fun. Head to your local craft store, stock up on supplies, and set up a creativity zone in your apartment. You might end up with some unexpected new decor—or at least a few laughs over the mess you made.
6. Camp Out—or In
Want the camping experience without having to travel? Set up a tent in your backyard or make a pillow fort in your living room. Bring out the s’mores (use the oven if you don’t have a fire pit), cue up a scary movie or ghost stories, and enjoy the nostalgia of a childhood sleepover with a grown-up twist.
7. Start a “Roommate Bucket List” Challenge
Create a summer roommate bucket list of 10–20 fun, affordable activities—things like “bike five miles to get coffee,” “attend a free outdoor concert,” or “watch the sunrise together.” Make it a mission to check off every item before the summer ends. Not only does it keep your weekends full, but it also gives you both shared goals to look forward to.
8. Sign Up for a One-Time Class or Workshop
Take a cooking class, try wheel-throwing pottery, learn salsa dancing, or attend a poetry open mic night. Many cities offer discounted or pay-what-you-can weekend workshops, especially during the summer. Whether it’s a hit or a hilarious failure, doing something totally new together is a great bonding experience.
9. Have a “No Phones” Adventure Day
Designate one Saturday or Sunday as a “no phones” day—except for emergencies or directions. Head out with only a disposable camera and a handwritten list of stops for the day. Maybe it’s hitting up the farmer’s market, a thrift store, and then ending with a spontaneous road trip an hour out of town. Disconnecting from your devices helps you focus on each other.
10. Plan a Movie Marathon with a Twist
Movie nights are a classic for a reason. Pick a theme like “Coming-of-Age Summer Films” or “90s Teen Rom-Coms.” Decorate your living room, print out “tickets,” make themed snacks, and vote on outfits that match your movie picks. If you want to go even further, host a bracket-style competition to crown the best film of the night.
Making the Most of Roomie Time
Your roommate isn’t just someone who shares your Wi-Fi password and fridge space—they can also be a great friend. Summer is the ideal time to deepen your relationship, get out of your comfort zone, and create moments that you’ll look back on once classes pick up again.
It doesn’t take a big budget or elaborate plans to make a weekend feel special. Sometimes all it takes is a shared playlist, some creativity, and the willingness to say “yes” to something new. So, whether you’re crafting, picnicking, or watching movies, remember: the best summer memories are made with the people who make you laugh until your stomach hurts.
So text your roommate, grab your sunscreen, and start planning your next weekend together—because summer doesn’t last forever!
How to Survive Living with Roommates During Exam Week: Tips for Peaceful Coexistence
Living with a roommate under normal circumstances can come with challenges. However, these difficulties increase when it is exam week. One roommate may be trying to get a good night’s rest while the other roommate comes in at 3 am and is making noise. While it may be challenging, there are ways to make living with a roommate during exam week bearable.
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Communicate
In any situation, communication is so important. However, several problems during exam week can be avoided by communicating with your roommate. Let each other know when your exams are and communicate what you need in order to succeed. Let your roommate know what behaviors you find disruptive, especially when it comes to studying. If you do not tell each other what support is needed, you will run into problems, especially with things like uninterrupted sleep or quiet study time.
Exchange exam schedules
As soon as you know your exam schedule, write it down and have your roommate do the same. This way, you have an idea of when each roommate will be studying and when they may be a bit more stressed than usual. Knowing each other’s schedules will help you know when to avoid potentially disruptive behavior, such as talking on the phone or playing loud music. This can help you and your roommate know how to best support each other and ensure that things remain peaceful.
Be clear about boundaries
As mentioned above, there may be behaviors that you or your roommate find disruptive. If your roommate tells you that you are doing something that is interfering with their exam prep, it is important that you listen to them and adhere to this boundary. This way, if you have to tell them that they are doing something that is disrupting you, they will be more willing to listen and be mindful of your boundary. Make sure you do not go into their space, especially their study space, since they likely have things set up to maximize their success.
Anticipate tension
Exams can be stressful for you and your roommate, especially if you have a class or two that are especially difficult. Plan ahead for there to be some level of tension and stress, and be lenient with your roommate. Exam week is not the time to be nitpicky about little chores that did not get done or little messes that have not been cleaned up. Think about how you would feel if someone were on your case about something as small as a mug being left on the counter when you are dealing with exam stress. Being mindful of increased stress and being more relaxed with certain things can help things remain peaceful.
Check on your roommate
Exam week is stressful for you as well as your roommate. Take a few moments to check in to see how they are doing and see if there is anything you can do for them. You may not be able to alleviate all of their stress, but knowing someone is there and cares during a stressful time can be comforting enough to help them deal with the stress of everything. Have a conversation where you each talk about what is happening with exams and things in general. Being able to get stress out of your systems can help each of you from getting to the point of yelling over the littlest trigger.
Plan fun breaks together
It may seem counterproductive to schedule fun in the middle of studying for exams, but your brain needs a break. Check out your schedule and compare it to your roommate’s schedule to see if there is a time when you can plan to do a fun activity together that will not take too much time or money. It can be as simple as a 15-minute face mask or ordering dinner for delivery and eating together away from studying. Having a special and fun distraction from studying, even if just for a little bit, can help break things up and make things seem less stressful. This way, you will be more prepared to conquer your studying and exams.
Study outside of your living space
While it is more comfortable to study in your dorm or apartment, your roommate may distract you with phone calls, guests, or loud music. To avoid this, find a quiet place on campus to study. This can be a library, study lounge, or other location where you can get things done without being distracted. This way, you will not be in a position to get mad at your roommate, and things will remain peaceful between you. This also gives your roommate more freedom to do what they need to do in your living space, whether it means having guests over or listening to music. Take turns with who stays in the dorm or apartment and who finds an alternative spot to keep things fair.
What To Do If Your Roommate Stops Paying Their Rent
Unfortunately, your roommate has stopped paying their portion of the rent. This is a very stressful situation for all parties involved, but there are certain things you should do in these cases. Whether your roommate is a long-time friend or simply someone you share space with, you need to go about this logically. Follow these actions, in no particular order, to try and get this resolved as quickly as possible.
Communicate Expectations With Your Roommate
You should speak openly with your roommate to understand why they have not been paying rent. It could be something as simple as they happened to forget, or it could be that they haven’t been making enough money. While you can sympathize with them over a bad situation, this is causing you a lot of stress while putting the full burden of the rent on your shoulders.
By having an open and honest conversation with your roommate, you may be able to resolve things quickly or come up with some other kind of compromise or plan that works best for both of you going forward, such as negotiating a different type of rent based on room size..
You may consider having this conversation with a neutral third party present to help keep things civil. This should not be a friend of either of you, but someone who is completely unaffected by the situation, such as a professional mediator.
If this conversation does not end on a positive note, it may be time for more drastic measures such as legal action.
Talk to Your Landlord
Talking to your landlord about the situation is always a good idea, seeing as they are in charge of the property. While not all landlords are willing to help as they might not care who exactly pays the full price of the rent, they may be able to start the eviction process better than you can on your own and redraft a lease naming you the sole person responsible for rent. They can help you change the locks while your roommate is out for a bit and help provide any further documentation that we’ll talk about later.
Talk to Your Roommate’s Parents
It may sound silly, but if you are able to speak with your roommate’s parents, do it! While it can be a mistake sometimes, if your roommate learned this poor behavior from them, it is possible that it works in your favor.
There are many people in your situation who reach out to the parents, who end up being appalled by their child’s behavior and make them pay you everything you owe or pay on their child’s behalf. It’s possible they’re paying the rent to your roommate, who then uses it for other funds. You have nothing to lose, you may as well swing for it and hope for the best!
Document Everything
If this situation continues to escalate, you may want to try to evict your roommate or take them to civil court to pay you the rent they owe. If this is the case, you need to keep copies and document absolutely everything. This goes from major documents such as the lease and a roommate agreement, proof of your rental payments and extra payments to cover their half, to smaller but still important things such as screenshots of texts, emails, any receipts, and notes or recordings of any phone calls you two share. Even if you end up not needing it, having it in your back pocket to help and prove your case is worth it.
Be Petty
At this point, if your roommate isn’t paying or helping, you want them to move out. This is your time to be as petty as possible to make living there rent-free difficult for them. Do you pay for the internet while they use it? Change the password so they can’t use it anymore. Hide or lock up any groceries you purchased on your own so they can’t mooch off of those either.
While this may sound childish, you are entitled to keep all of what is yours if they’re not contributing an equal share to your apartment. They have already made living difficult for you, it is about time you return the favor. However, be careful that you don’t break any laws, such as vandalism, as in destroying their property or threatening bodily harm. Keep everything to a minor or major inconvenience that will make your roommate want to move out.
This is a stressful situation that no one wants to be in, so hopefully this guide can help you get everything sorted out and under control so this burden no longer grows on you. Don’t be afraid to take necessary action so that you can revert back to living in peace.
Roommate Dynamics: How to Be Friends, Not Just Co-Tenants
If you are a college student who lives in an off-campus house or apartment, you likely have a roommate. While many people have roommates they know, you may not have met your roommate before this semester. It can be challenging to live with someone you do not know that well, but it is possible to move from just being co-tenants to being friends with your roommate.
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Get to know each other before moving in
Before you even move in together, take time to get to know each other. If possible, meet up in person, but if you live too far away, consider video chatting. When you are talking, ask each other questions to get to know each other better and to find out what you have in common. This way, you will be able to get a sense of what the other person is like and what things you both value in life. It is important that you have at least some level of connection. If you are completely different with no common ground, it may be difficult to find a bond and get along.
Be friendly first
The best way to have a friend is to be a friend. It may be tempting to not talk a lot at first, especially if you are shy, but it is important to make an attempt to engage in conversation and be friendly so your roommate knows that you want to be friends. Ideally, you either met in person or talked online before moving in, so you have a basis of commonalities to draw from. Pull from things you remember about your roommate and have a conversation about that. Being able to recall details will let your roommate see that you care and will help build the relationship. However, it is also important to not overwhelm your roommate with cheerfulness and enthusiasm as this may come across as off-putting.
Go on roommate dates
Spending time with your roommate is a great way to get to know each other and become friends. Doing things that at least one of you is interested in will help you learn about each other. It gives you a chance to see each other in a more natural environment where you can shine with something you are passionate about. Take turns choosing what to do and make sure there is time to talk about the experience over a meal or coffee. Make sure you do things that you can both afford without going over your budgets. Try to set aside a day or evening once a week or once every couple of weeks to do something fun together.
Communicate
The best way to build a solid relationship is to have reliable communication. While you should be communicating with your roommate even without being friends, it is especially important to communicate if your goal is to be friends with your roommate. Make sure you are clear on each other’s schedules and know when you are each bringing people over to study or hang out. If either of you are having a problem or you are frustrated with each other, it is important to feel comfortable enough to bring it up with the other person. Otherwise, the person will hold it in, which will build resentment and can destroy the chance to build the friendship you are hoping for.
Establish boundaries
Even the best of friends have boundaries. The key with friends is that the boundaries are clearly established and both parties respect the other’s boundaries. Set clear boundaries and responsibilities with things like chores, shopping, and borrowing clothes or other items. It is also important that you are clear about the kind of relationship you want with your roommate. Be upfront about wanting to be friends so that you can meet this need if your roommate agrees. Not establishing a relationship or boundaries may lead to issues and arguments down the line. Again, communication is super important here.
Be honest
Whether you are having an issue with your roommate or you made a mistake in the relationship, it is important you are honest. Eventually, the truth will come out and your roommate will be even more mad that you kept something from them or even lied instead of bringing an issue up. This can lead to mistrust and difficulty in re-establishing a friendship. If you are good friends, you should be able to trust that they will want to hear the truth, even if it is difficult. Issues arise in every relationship and things come up that need to be worked through. This does not mean that you are not meant to be friends. Honestly dealing with issues will determine the future of your friendship with your roommate.
Roommate issues tend to be the main focus of college lore, but if the relationship starts strong and things are maintained as any other healthy relationship, it is possible to be friends with your roommate.
Roommate Survival Kit: Essential Items Every College Student Needs to Co-Exist Peacefully
Sharing a small space like a dorm with a roommate, whether you know them well or not, can be challenging. We have different lives, schedules, and habits which can be frustrating to deal with if you two clash. Luckily, it can be made a little easier when you purchase specific items. Here is a list of the must-have essential items every college student needs to co-exist peacefully with their roommates.
Whiteboard Calendar
One essential item to help you and your roommates co-exist peacefully is a whiteboard calendar or a regular whiteboard. A calendar allows you to put your class schedules especially when you are all first adjusting to the beginning of a semester. While you might not think you need your roommates’ schedule, it will be nice to know when you will have alone time in your dorm.
You can also use a calendar to circle important dates, such as deadlines or tests. This gives your roommate a heads up on when you might need some quiet time, so they don’t blast music or games throughout the whole day leading up to it. Of course, you will do the same when your roommate circles a big day. Whether you compromise on being quiet in the dorm or one of you heads out to the library or to hang out with other friends, it will help make boundaries clear.
If your calendar whiteboard has room or you get a regular whiteboard, you can use it to write reminders for each other, when you’ll be back if you’re out, or a chore chart.
Chore Chart
A chore chart may sound juvenile, but it is a key to co-existing with your roommate. If you like a clean room and your roommate doesn’t care about cleanliness, you might find their lack of work extremely frustrating. You two can create a chore chart together. Look around your dorm or apartment and see what needs to be done: Cleaning common spaces and bathrooms, taking the trash out, doing dishes, and more!
It should never be on one roommate to do everything around the dorm. You two are sharing the space, so you should contribute equally. You can choose specific chores for each person or rotate them each week or month if that feels more fair plus how often they should be done. Having this easily accessible and visible to both of you will increase the likelihood of them being completed. It may take some getting used to, but do not give up!
Noise Canceling Headphones
Another item you might want to look into purchasing is noise-canceling headphones for yourself. Sometimes, it may not be possible for your roommate to be quiet, especially depending on the kind of person they are. Plus, trekking to the library and back late at night is not something you’ll want to do often. Save yourself and buy a pair of noise-canceling headphones so you can focus in the comfort of your own room while also playing a nice motivating study playlist. You can also use them for long rides, going to the gym, or just a short walk to class making them well worth the money.
Room Dividers
You should also look into purchasing a room divider, ideally one that folds away. Dorm rooms are small and it might feel like you are on display and do not have privacy. By buying a room divider, you can set it up when you just want to exist without any major disturbances or discomfort. If this is your first time living with a roommate, this might be necessary to adjust to such a new living situation. When you want to chat or don’t mind your roommate’s presence, fold it and put it away! There are some pretty affordable and portable options. Speak with your roommate and maybe you two can split the cost, especially if it’s something you both want.
Dedicated Spaces for Each Roommate
Whether the space you’re sharing is one room or multiple, each roommate should have a dedicated space that is only theirs. Do not take things from these places, touch anything, or invade when not welcome. By having these spaces other people should not invade, it gives you a small oasis for yourself, as well as peace of mind. Respect everyone’s boundaries and your roommate should follow suit. This can be your bedroom if applicable, or only your bed, your desk area, or anywhere else you would prefer.
Communication
Lastly, while not an item, communication is essential to co-exist with any roommate. As lovely as it would be for your roommates to be able to read your mind and know when you want them to clean up after themselves, unfortunately, it is not possible. By speaking about and communicating your expectations verbally, not just on your whiteboard, your dorm will be much more peaceful and you will be able to co-exist with your roommate. Look into these essential items and see what works for you to have the best roommate experience.
Roommate Etiquette for the Holiday Season
It’s the holiday season and the festivities are in full swing. Traveling, shopping, hosting, baking, etc. This time of year is for celebrations, gatherings, spreading joy, and practicing roommate etiquette (of course). It’s a year-round job, and navigating during this season can be especially tricky. Crammed shared spaces, differing holiday traditions, obligations, and scheduling can all contribute to a roommate dispute. As you think thoughtfully and carefully about gifts and plans, we have done the same with this curated list of roommate etiquette tips for the holiday season.
1. Communicate while you celebrate
One of the most valued aspects of a harmonious roommate relationship is communication. Our routines are almost always disrupted during this season, and roles and responsibilities can change at home. You won’t hear someone complain about their roommate telling them something in advance, so do prioritize this discussion. If you expect to be gone for a long time or host your own guests, run it by your roommate beforehand. This may require routine changes to basic household chores like mail retrieval, garbage duty, plant maintenance, cleaning schedule, or any other responsibilities. The earlier, the better. Especially if you’re seeking a favor, like your roommate watching your pet for a few days or having extended family over for a night. This is not only the polite way to share a space but also gives the roommate plenty of time to make arrangements or modify their schedule.
A common mistake roommates make during the holiday season is overtaking the space. Yes, decorating is one of the pillars of Christmas time. But many cultures have different holiday traditions. Before you turn your casual living room into a gingerbread wonderland, ask your roommate what they are okay with. Roomies constantly get in tiffs around this time because they both want to make the space their own and forget that it is shared. Yet, it is so easy to avoid through communication.
2. Embrace different holiday traditions
As roommates, the closeness of relationships can vary significantly. Some range from knowing only each other’s names to knowing all personal information. Nonetheless, religious practices are often observed through holiday traditions around this time. To be considerate, host a time for an open discussion, whether a group chat or dinner table and discuss everyone’s holiday traditions in the space before the season begins. This allows everyone to coordinate and plan beforehand so no conflicts arise.
The purpose of this time of year is to bring people closer together and appreciate the unity of humanity. Try something new. Even if you have celebrated Christmas traditions your whole life, you can participate in other traditions, like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. If your roommates share these activities, ask to be included and take this as an opportunity to simultaneously develop your friendship and cultural knowledge. Conduct a little background research to know what to expect if you choose to participate. Maybe you and your roomie(s) decide to celebrate collectively. Communities plan annual gatherings and countless activities to attend- simply visit your local city website to learn about the festivities.
3. Check in with your roommate’s mental health
The holidays can sometimes be a very challenging time of the year for people. Whether it be a traumatic life event, financial instability, seasonal depression, or loneliness- your roommate could be going through an emotionally daunting time. It is a good opportunity to check in and ask what they need to ensure they feel supported and cared for. Perhaps your roommate didn’t have nearby family members to celebrate with, and now they do because you asked. If you notice your roommate has been showing signs of seasonal depression or emotional distress, help them by providing outside resources like the phone number of a therapist or a local community support group. Although these efforts seem minimal, they could have long-lasting impacts. Alcohol and sugar addictions can spike during this time, so ensure you and your roommates are supporting each other through healthy habits despite the temptations.
The same goes for vice versa. If you are struggling during the holidays, use your roommate as a confidant and friend to support you. The worst thing you can do is bottle up your feelings; your roommates likely feel the same stressors and anxieties. A little empathy and honesty can go a long way for your roommate relationship to flourish.
Living with roommates during the holiday season can be a fun and comforting experience, but it requires a little extra care, consideration, and communication. By respecting shared spaces, being mindful of your roommates’ traditions, and doing some feeling check-ins, you can ensure that your home remains peaceful and enjoyable to celebrate the season. After all, the holidays are about connection and joy, and with proper etiquette, you can make this holiday season memorable.
Friendsgiving Traditions to Start With Your Roommate
Those who are close to their family homes will find it easy to go home for Thanksgiving. However, those who live farther away may have to stay in their dorm or off-campus housing for Thanksgiving break. While it can be frustrating and sad to not spend the holiday with loved ones, there are ways to have “Friendsgiving” traditions with your roommate.
Dining hall meals
A lot of schools will serve a Thanksgiving meal for those unable to go home for the holiday. Instead of sitting in your own living space, consider going to your dining hall to eat Thanksgiving there. This saves you time that would be spent prepping and cleaning up. You will also get to be with other people who are in a similar position to you. Many schools serve these meals for free and you can bring containers for leftovers, so you will have meals for days to come.
Potluck or group cooking
Thanksgiving can be a difficult meal to put together, especially if you are doing everything by yourself. Either have a potluck or invite a few people over to help you cook. If you decide to have a potluck, consider keeping track of who is planning to bring what to make sure everything needed is accounted for and so you know what you might have to make. Ask family or friends who are not hosting Thanksgiving to let you borrow silverware and plates so you have enough. Have your roommate help set up the table and clean up afterward.
Craft your décor
Buying Thanksgiving décor from the store may seem like a good idea, but it can get expensive. Chances are, you or your roommate have craft supplies that you can use to make your own décor. If you do need basic craft supplies, check your local thrift store before going to a craft store. Look for ideas online to see what you can make with what you have. Set aside a day to do your crafts. After you graduate, you will have Thanksgiving décor that you can take with you to help you remember the fun traditions you had with your roommate.
Football frenzy
One of the highlights of Thanksgiving for many people is the football. Make a tradition to either play a game of football or watch a game on TV. If you decide to play yourselves, see what teams are playing and play as those teams and watch the game on TV to see if the outcomes are similar. Get trophies or ribbons to give to the winning team as a reminder of the fun and their accomplishment. Have hot chocolate when you finish playing the game.
Turkey trot
If you and your roommate are into running or walks, look to see if your college town or city has a Turkey Trot or similar event on Thanksgiving. Many of these events support charities, so you can build a fun tradition that gives back. You can go train with your roommate, especially if your college has a gym on campus. Even when you graduate and move away, you can each do your own local Turkey Trot and keep each other accountable during training, and celebrate the success of completing it.
Volunteer
Even if you are not into running or walking, there are ways to give back on Thanksgiving. See if your local soup kitchen needs help serving meals on Thanksgiving and get involved with your roommate. Meals on Wheels may also need people to deliver meals, but this is mostly if you have a car on campus with you. You can even pick up trash at a local park or beach. There are organizations that accept cards for active military personnel and veterans, so you and your roommate can spend part of your Thanksgiving making cards to send to these organizations. Giving back is an amazing way to count your blessings and pay it forward for everything you are thankful for.
Gratitude traditions
Thanksgiving is all about being grateful for what you have and celebrating the little things in life. Consider starting a tradition of practicing gratitude on Thanksgiving. Get some construction paper and make a chain of paper, each strip of paper stating something you are thankful for. Even writing lists in a journal or a notebook can be beneficial. See who can create the longest list! Trace your hands and make a turkey. On the feathers and the body of the turkey, write out things you are grateful for. Date it and frame it as a keepsake for years to come. Before you start eating, go around the table and have each person share something they are grateful for. Write thank you notes to people who have influenced you in the past.
Spending Thanksgiving away from family and loved ones can be challenging, but you can create fun traditions with your roommate to help make the best of the situation.
Coordinating Group Halloween Costumes With Your Roommates
Happy Spooky Season! As you and your roommates prepare for Halloween parties or trick-or-treating, the idea of group costumes has likely come up! However, sometimes coordinating the perfect group costume to do with your friends is hard! After all, you want to be unique, but not so unique that no one knows who you are. In addition to that, there’s agreeing on who to be and how to dress, which is much easier said than done. Don’t get scared before the tricks start!
There are some easy steps to coordinate a group Halloween costume with your friends or your roommates that will leave everyone happy. Here is how to coordinate group Halloween costumes with your roommates this October.
Image via Pexels
Discuss Favorite Media
First, discuss some of your favorite shows, movies, games, or books. If you all have similar interests or tastes, this will be easy! Think about iconic groups that you and your roommates would love to dress as. If you don’t share a common interest, your costume ideas do not have to be from the media! They can be groups such as condiments, college majors, or types of cats! This is the best time to get creative as you brainstorm!
If everyone is still having trouble coming up with a group costume you all like and agree on, there’s nothing wrong with searching the World Wide Web. Be aware that, if it’s online, it’s likely been done hundreds of times and you can risk having the same costume as someone else. This isn’t bad, but just decide how important originality is to you and your group.
Whether you have hundreds of ideas or just a few, start to narrow it down. You can do this by either having each roommate strike down one idea at a time until you have one left or you can spin a wheel to see what gets picked or knocked off. Even indecisive people can do this!
Share Pictures of Inspiration
Once you have all chosen a theme or group to dress as it is time to look at inspiration for your costumes. Search for other similar themes to see how you can put your own twist on it! This will also help get you on the same page of what aesthetic you’re going for this Halloween season. The best sites to search are Pinterest, Instagram, or a quick Google search which might lead you to another helpful site. Search for people who cosplay those characters or groups or see what kind of costumes are readily available.
Decide How to Dress
Now that you’ve looked at thousands of pictures for inspiration, you and your group have narrowed down how you want to look. You still need to decide how exactly you are going to proceed. Are you buying costumes, making them yourselves, or doing a very simple version in clothes you already have? This is an essential step so that everyone is on the same page and matches. If one of you shows up in street clothes while the other is in an elaborate costume, you’ll all be embarrassed!
If you decide to buy or make your costumes, you need to discuss everyone’s budget. Someone with a higher budget can buy a much higher quality costume than someone with a lower one, which can lead to financial insecurity and embarrassment. Go back to the pictures you found and try to guess the price or what you could reasonably find or make.
Make Roles Clear
Next, you need to make the roles in the group costume very clear. So many group costumes have been ruined because two people thought they were the same character! Everyone should decide who they want to be. If two people want to dress as the same character, it needs to be clear who takes what so you don’t have a sticky situation. The best way to do this would be to write it out in a group text or hang it up and ensure everyone sees it by interacting with the message or the board.
Keep Each Other Updated
Lastly, as you all work on your costumes, you need to keep each other updated. If you need help, if something is not shipping in time, or any other problems you run into, it is best that you tell your roommates right away. If you need to switch costumes, it is better to have a few days’ notice than an hour’s.
By showing each other the steps you’re following into completing your costume, you can get feedback or advice so that you guys match. Plus, this helps with the potential double or mismatched costumes. It might even be a fun idea to work on your costumes together while you play Halloween movies and eat candy. What better way to prepare for the season, right?
