My Roommate Is Getting On My Last Nerve!

It’s mid-semester and your patience with your roommate has run out. You’ve tripped over their sneakers for the 18th time. They flip on the light when you’re sleeping, invite friends over when you’re studying and show no consideration.

You begin to wonder whether you can make it to the end of the semester without losing your cool. 

What can you do?

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Talk it out (not text).

Find a moment when you both have time to talk in person. Tell them how you feel (even if it’s difficult) and create a plan of action that works for both of you. Avoid blaming or getting defensive, and focus on your feelings.

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Set ground rules and boundaries.

Establish a set of shared expectations around noise, cleanliness and having friends over. It’s your room, too, and you deserve to sleep and study there uninterrupted.

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Create a calendar.

Add deadlines, exams or days when you both will need space such as a weekend when your friend from out of town will be visiting, or when you have a big exam and will need a quiet night beforehand.

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Respect each other’s space.

Everyone needs alone time. Give your roommate personal space and communicate when you need space too. 

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Seek support.

If conflict arises, seek support from an RA or live-in professional before the situation escalates.

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Remember, you don’t need to be best friends with your roommate, but communicating clearly, setting expectations and having patience will make for a more comfortable living situation.

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