Discuss and clarify your expectations about: - Cleaning (You may want to choose one Saturday morning a month to do heavy-duty
cleaning together.)
- Overnight guests
- Sharing food
- Cooking
- Using heat and air conditioning
- Use of washer and dryer
- Paying bills (Make certain that roommates pay all bills before they move.)
- Cleaning early and thorough enough to get back your cleaning deposit (Take
pictures when you move in.)
- Borrowing clothes, computer, etc.
- Noise, partying, alcohol and drugs
- Privacy
- Quiet time (for example, during the week no loud music after 9:00)
- Phone messages (Write them down.)
- Phone calls late at night
- Visitors late at night
Other tips: - Keep your apartment and car doors locked at all times!!!
- Clean up after yourself.
- Don't hog the bathroom.
- Keep your stuff in your room.
- Shop together for joint items (toilet paper, cleanser, etc.).
- Have shelves with your own food on them.
- Don't bring home people you don't know well.
- Have a joint dinner at least once a month to air concerns (don't let resentments
build).
- Express concerns in a calm, direct, and clear manner. Don't yell, use sarcasm,
or write nasty notes.
- Don't discuss issues when you're angry or tired. Sleep on it.
- Apologize when you're wrong.
- Forgive each other and don't hold grudges. Focus on the good in others and
not their shortcomings.
- Be respectful, thoughtful, and tolerant.
- Don't borrow clothes, CDs, or computers.
- Return what you borrow in good condition or replace if damaged.
- Don't enter each other's room without knocking.
- Don't ask roommates to be your memory system. Set your own alarm, etc.
- Hang up your keys in the same place and get organized.
- Support each other. Don't interrupt when you know your roommate has a paper
due.
- If you do have a pet, take responsibility for it!
- Don't give advice (boyfriend, school, dress) unless it's asked for.
- Build in time to get to know and enjoy each other (exercise, walking, cooking
together).
- Develop a good sense of humor! Don't take yourself too seriously.
- Learn to live in the present, focus on your blessings and appreciate every
day.
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