Living with roommates can be an amazing adventure—or a real headache if certain basic principles aren’t respected. Whether you’re moving in with strangers or longtime friends, some habits can make all the difference. Here are the seven principles for getting along with your roommates.
1. Set ground rules from the start
Before you even unpack your boxes, take time to talk about your expectations. Who does what when it comes to cleaning? How often and on which days are guests welcome? Do you share food or does everyone manage their own fridge shelf? Clearing things up at the beginning helps avoid unspoken issues and future frustrations.
2. Respect shared spaces
The bathroom, the kitchen, the living room—these areas should be pleasant for everyone. Leaving dirty dishes around, hogging the shower for an hour, or spreading your stuff everywhere can quickly cause tension. Respecting common spaces is one of the cornerstones of getting along with your roommates.
3. Communicate openly and calmly
Something bothering you? Talk about it. Open, honest, and calm communication between you and your roommates helps prevent built-up frustration. A clear message is worth more than a passive-aggressive sticky note on the microwave in the morning.
4. Respect each other’s routines
Your roommate is an early sleeper and you’re a fan of TV nights that last until 2 a.m.? You’ll need to find a balance. Setting quiet hours when everyone tones down noise and adjusts lighting is a good tactic. Respecting each other’s lifestyle is key to peaceful cohabitation.
5. Share responsibilities
Shared expenses (dish soap, toilet paper) and chores should be divided fairly. You can create a small chore chart on the fridge or use roommate apps to stay organized without arguments.
6. Handle money responsibly
Rent, bills, subscriptions—everyone needs to pay their share, and pay it on time. Late payments affect everyone. Automatic transfers or tools like Splitwise can help make managing finances between roommates much easier.
7. Build a minimum of social connection
You don’t need to do everything together or be best friends forever, but sharing a meal, celebrating a success, or just chatting in the kitchen now and then helps create a warm atmosphere. That small human connection makes daily life much more enjoyable.
In conclusion
Following these seven principles for getting along with your roommates is the key to turning shared living into a positive experience. And if everyone makes a bit of an effort, you’ll see that living with others doesn’t have to be complicated at all.
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