Three Tips for Living Well with Roommates While Attending Brock University
There is one constant aspect of life while attending Brock University that requires wise navigation: the roommate living situation. No matter how much you like someone, living with another human being will present conflict. This is normal and is bound to happen even between the best of friends. The key here is to not worry and know that there are easy solutions to make living with another person fun and conflict-free! With compromise and open communication, living with a roommate becomes easy and enjoyable.
1. Establish Quiet Hours
For some reason, nothing creates more conflict than noise. You may like a peaceful home at 10pm but your roommate is a night owl and likes to play loud music at midnight. If you are not on board with staying up late from noise, then a compromise needs to happen. For example, establishing an 11:00 pm quiet hour is a sweet spot right in between your preferences and establishes respectful boundaries that allows both of you to enjoy your living space.
2. Make Cleaning Responsibilities Crystal Clear
When expectations are not clear, there is confusion on when and how chores should be completed. Frustration can easily ensue when everyone has different standards for cleanliness or for how long they need to wait before doing a certain chore. Therefore, it is a wise idea to sit down with your roommate in the beginning of your living arrangement before there is even conflict. Delegate responsibilities and the frequency of chores and make a chart with names, dates, and deadlines for the task to be completed. When everyone agrees on a clear system, there will be less conflict in the future.
3. Negotiate Thermostat Temperatures
A hot box and a roommate who is perpetually cold will alternatively change the thermostat ad nauseam by the second week of classes. The covert alteration of temperatures can lead to conflict that is easily preventable. So, even before classes begin, sit down and clearly discuss your preferences and be ready to settle for a few degrees off from your preferred temperature. For example, a person who thrives at 68 degrees will have to be okay with 71 degrees for that roommate who is “always cold.”
On another note, having a pleasant place to live where you and your roommate can unwind in different places like a fitness center, community lounge, and a quiet study area reduces stress and decreases chances for conflict. Student Lofts offers these amenities and much more that create the perfect environment for harmonious university life with your roommate. Contact us to find out more about what we offer as a premium off-campus residence.
