One
of the things many students fear about living in an on or off-campus Fleming College residence
is that they may be assigned a roommate who, given the choice, they would never
associate with. In fact, even if you get along, you may run into problems due
to different personalities or just the need to live in such close quarters
(especially if you aren't used to sharing a room). To make your living
situation bearable, you need to have a strategy in place.
Talk About What Bothers You
It
may seem like the best solution is to ignore all the small things that bother
you. However, the danger of this approach is that everything upsetting you
could gradually build up until it causes a major fight. Plus, you’ll have to
grin and bear it every time your roommate does something you dislike.
A
far better option is to talk about things before they become a big deal. You
may need to agree to a compromise, but at least you’ll have cleared the air.
Have Real Conversations
It’s
always better to talk to your roommate in person than sending a text. As you
live together, you should have plenty of opportunities. By talking, you can
have a proper conversation and both of you will have a chance to speak. Plus,
there is a lower risk of misunderstandings if you can hear each other’s tone of
voice.
Involve No One Else in Discussion
Even
if the problem is about someone else — such as if your roommate’s friend is the
one bothering you — involve no one else in your talk, at least initially.
Adding extra participants increases the likelihood of an argument. Similarly,
don’t bring your own friends to the discussion. Your roommate could feel
attacked and will be less willing to change.
Seek a Mediator
If
you are unable to resolve the problem alone, you can bring in someone to help,
but it must be a neutral third party. The best choice is your resident
assistant, as RAs are trained and experienced in dealing with these cases.
Plus, if the situation can't be resolved, having made your RA aware of the
problem early on will improve your chances of being able to switch roommates.
You
can eliminate the risk of a difficult roommate entirely: instead of living in
residence, consider student rentals in Peterborough.
Peterborough students can have the same on-campus experience by choosing Severn
Court. This housing is just for students and it’s directly across from campus.
The difference is you’ll have your own bedroom in a fully-furnished suite.
