How to Get Along with Your Roommate

It's not always easy getting along with your college roommate. After all, college is often the first time you must room with a complete stranger for a significant length of time. And that complete stranger may have a completely different personality type, sleep pattern, cultural background, musical taste and set of habits than you do. Getting along with your roommate isn't an exact science, but there are a few bits of advice that can go a long way toward making your relationship with your roommate go smoothly.

It all boils down to communication and respect. First of all, it's important to respect your roommate's religion or political preference. It doesn't matter if your roommate is the lone conservative at a predominantly liberal college or the lone atheist at a predominantly Christian college. You don't have to agree with them to respect the beliefs that are important to them. Instead of dwelling on what makes you different, focus on what you and your roommate have in common. You'll find that this attitude will be useful with other friends you meet in college outside your dorm as well.

Secondly, respect their belongings and space. Always ask permission before using anything that belongs to a roommate, especially food, toiletries, electronics and clothing. This may be more difficult than it sounds if you recently moved out from under your parents' roof, where food and toiletries may have been fair game to anyone in the house. Clean up after yourself and don't let your belongings accumulate on their side of the dorm if you can help it.

Be sure to communicate your concerns with your roommate calmly as soon as you realize something that they are doing is bothering you. If you don't, you run the risk of becoming resentful of your roommate and losing your temper when it gets to be too much. At the same time, don't sweat the small stuff and don't be nit-picky. If you confront your roommate too many times, he or she is going to resent you for it. You must choose your battles wisely, or better yet, prevent a battle from happening in the first place. When you do decide to confront a problem, don't do it in a note—do it in person. If you leave a note, your roommate might think you are avoiding him or her.

Finally, learn to bend a little. You don't always have to have your way, and you may learn a little something about life from your roommate in the process.