How to Deal with a Difficult College Roommate

For most college students, living with a roommate is an inevitability. Unfortunately, some students may also find themselves eventually living with a difficult roommate. Oftentimes, you aren’t allowed to choose your own roommate in college or university. And while roommate preference sheets can be used to help place you with a compatible roommate, sometimes you can run into issues. Thus, you may find yourself living with someone you don’t like (or who doesn’t like you), don’t get along with and don’t share the same living standards. However, there are always ways to deal with difficult people, especially roommates. Below are a few of these ‘ways.’ 

Ask the Resident Advisor (RA) for Help

Difficult roommates are usually called such because they’re disrespectful, inconsiderate, irresponsible and unwilling to make or follow any rules. Report the situation and ask for advice on what actions to take or how to best remedy the situation. Most likely, the advisor will refer you to the housing department or a counselor. Just keep in mind that it’s okay to seek help and take advice in difficult situations. It could prevent major problems, extreme stress or a dangerous situation. 

If you’re looking for rooms to rent, Peterborough offers Severn Court Student Residence, where you can live with chosen roommates or be matched according to your lifestyle preferences and more.

Set Ground Rules

Ground rules can help make sharing a space as easy and pleasant as possible. They’re also the perfect way to express your personal values, living standards and expectations for sharing a space. Sit down with your roommate and set rules at the beginning of your residency. Make sure these rules include:

• ·         Expectations for cleaning and cooking (if applicable)
• ·         A chore chart, cleaning schedule and/or expectations for keeping your room neat and tidy
• ·         Guidelines for having guests
• ·         A schedule for studying, as well as guidelines for noise levels, visitors, etc. during these times
• ·         Preferences for curfews and sleeping hours
• ·         Statements on pet peeves, dealing with annoying habits, etc.
• Setting ground rules could be essential for getting along with an incompatible roommate, as long as they’re willing to respect and follow them. It can also be useful in all roommate situations, including living off campus and sharing one of the student apartments for rent Peterborough offers.

Be Upfront with Issues and Confront Them Head On

Passive aggressiveness can be counterproductive, frustrating, disrespectful and unnerving. So, if your roommate creates an issue, has bad habits or does something you don’t like, confront them head on. State your feelings about the issue and suggest working together to find a solution. Moreover, be patient and sure to present your feelings and approach him or her in a calm, respectful manner – learn your cultural and/or personal difference and practice understanding. Try to avoid leaving passive aggressive notes or messages and addressing him/her when you’re not in person. Most importantly, if you notice an issue, bring it up and talk about it right away. Allowing things to build up or fester can breed anger and contempt, possibly leading to explosive confrontations and/or more problems.