How to Survive Living with Roommates During Exam Week: Tips for Peaceful Coexistence

By Ashley Paskill

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.