Living with roommates can be challenging especially if it’s your first time in a new city away from home. This exciting experience is something that everyone should try at least once in their life because there are so many benefits to living with roommates. However, as great as living with roommates can be there, there are always a few challenges that arise when people move in together for the first time. This article will break down the best tips for getting along with your roommates, whether you're in a two-bedroom or four-bedroom, so you can have the best apartment experience in your new Lubbock home!
Move-in Day
A great way to set a positive tone for the rest of the year with your new roomies is to make a great first impression on move-in day. Whether you are getting a
Lubbock apartment with your best friends or meeting your roommates for the first time you can always make this day super special and memorable. Getting the conversation started and building communication among roommates from day one is key. You can start to build a healthy relationship right from the beginning. Move-in day doesn’t have to be a stressful process, try making it fun by playing music or grabbing lunch with roommates on breaks. If you want to go above and beyond, you can get your roommates a small housewarming gift such as matching mugs or candles, just to show how excited you are for the new year together!
Create a Roommate Contract
After things have started to settle down moving into your apartment, it’s important to discuss a written roommate contract. The roommate agreement will set the ground rules for the year so everyone is on the same page when it comes to expectations. The contract will go over many common issues and all the roommates should sign after discussing the contents. Some common things to include in a roommate contract are chores, sleep schedules, guests, quiet times, borrowing personal items, and rent payments. Get down to the details and diccuss everything from
dishwasher protocol to snack sharing. There are many templates free online for roommate agreements or you can create your own custom one that matches your preferences. Laying out these items will make future communication and disagreements go smoother. It’s always a good idea to refer to the roommate contract every few months to reaffirm expectations and set new boundaries.
Roommate Etiquette
One of the best ways to avoid conflict and arguments is to be a good roommate from the start. Some people don’t know proper roommate etiquette because this is their first time living with someone else. We’ll go over some of the basic courtesies that you should follow to help keep your fellow roommates happy. To start, try helping around the apartment and getting chores done in the common areas. This means being sure to take out the trash when its full, get clothes out of the dryer, and replace paper towels or toilet paper when they run out. Additionally, it’s important to respect others’ space and not borrow any personal items without asking first. Finally, it’s always a good rule of thumb to clean up any time you make a mess and listen to others when they have a problem. You may not have even realized that what you were doing bothered the other roommate if there’s no communication.
Dealing with conflict
Even if you are the best roommate possible, there can still be issues that arise. Its important to learn how to deal with these problems head on instead of brushing them aside. Healthy communication is key because conflicts will become toxic if they are not brought up in a timely fashion. Remember to enter roommate discussions calmy and listen to other options and clearly express your own. At the end of the day, you and your roommates don’t have to be best friends, but mutual respect is key to a positive experience.
Moving in with roommates is such an exciting time and will truly enhance your Lubbock apartment experience. You can always refer to these simple tips and tricks to have a great year!
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