A college dorm room is the first time many people live with another roommate, and it can be quite a lifestyle shock. But knowing what to expect and respect each other can make all the difference:

• Set The Rules Early - Make sure you get all essential rules ironed out before you start living together, like lights-out time, guest rules, smoking and drinking policies and what’s shared and what’s not. Making rules up as you go only causes stressful situations.
• Don’t Expect Roommate To Be Your Best Friend - Your roommate may eventually become your best friend, but don’t expect it from the outset. You’re both trying to fit in and make new friends, but don’t monopolize your roommate’s time.
• Split Space Evenly - Make sure everyone has equal space and access in the room, from the closet to the refrigerator.
• Respect Each Other’s Privacy And Stuff - You may feel like you have access to both your roommate’s life and things just because you live together, but guess what? You don’t. If a roommate doesn’t want to talk about something, don’t press the issue. Don’t borrow things without asking. And do not snoop through your roommate’s things.
• Let Your Roommate Know About Guests - If you have someone visiting or staying over your room, let your roommate know ahead of time. And respect your roommate’s wishes - he or she may not want to be interrupted the week of mid-terms, for instance.
• Keep Your Mess To A Minimum - Restrict your papers, clothes and other items to your own area. Clean up anything dirty, like dishes, immediately, and do not let your area get to the point where your roommate might be embarrassed to have guests over.
• Don’t Be A Hog - If you share resources - like the television set or mini-fridge, for instance - make sure you don’t hog space or use of the item.
• Respect Sleeping And Studying Habits - If your roommate needs to study and you want friends over, it’s not going to mix well. Go elsewhere with your friends. Same with sleeping. There are other areas around campus to hang out. And never interrupt your roommate’s studying or sleeping with distractions such as loud music or talking on the phone.
• Don’t Do Anything That Might Get Your Roommate In Trouble - If you like to go against rules, don’t do anything in your room that might get your roommate in trouble. A lot of dorms have guilt-by-association or guilt-by-location rules. If you’re underage and drinking, yet your roommate is not, he or she may still be written up.
• Don’t Sexile Your Roommate - If you want to be involved in intimate relations with someone, ask your roommate when he or she will not be in the dorm room. Never lock your roommate out for your convenience.

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