5 Problems You and Your Roommates Will Have (And How to Solve Them)

Having a roommate does have its perks, but it can also have many downsides. Whether you have one roommate in a dorm or multiple in a house or apartment, you will more than likely have a roommate at some point. Here are five problems that you and your roommates might run into, and how you can solve them!

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1. Different Sleep Schedules

Some people are night owls and want to sleep all day, while others prefer to go to bed early and then wake up at the crack of dawn so that they can get everything done. You will more than likely not have the same sleep schedule as your roommate but there are ways to solve this problem. You can set “quiet hours” during certain parts of the day or night where everyone is asked to keep the volume below a certain point (that is something you will need to discuss in detail to prevent more problems). Another solution is that you and your roommate could buy earplugs for when you sleep. After one or two nights you can’t even tell that you’re wearing them! They typically aren’t expensive either and can be worn multiple times.

2. Sharing Space

Going from having your own room at home to sharing a room, or a living area in general, can be a big change. Some people are able to adjust better than others, but it can cause issues between roommates. If you and your roommate share a room, one thing that can be done to help with the lack of space is to get under the bed storage boxes (like these) or extra shelving for the closets. This can often help with keeping the clutter off of the floor and other spaces. If you and your roommate like to study in the living room but have different study styles, then a study schedule can be made so that each roommate can use that space during certain times.

3. Significant Others/ Friends

You won’t always be friends with your roommate’s friends. Sometimes you may dislike their boyfriend or girlfriend, but don’t let that stop you from having a normal living experience. If you dislike a certain friend because they make a mess in your apartment or are loud when you’re trying to sleep or study, sit down and have a discussion with your roommate. At this point you can discuss your options, whether it be that you study at the library or that friends are not allowed over past a certain time.

4. Different Hobbies

Even if you’re friends with your roommate before moving in together, that doesn’t mean you’ll hang out all the time. People have different interests. Living with a friend isn’t going to be a nonstop sleepover, and whether you’re close with your roommates or not, don’t expect that you’ll do everything together. Make sure everyone has their own space and time to do their own thing.

5. Household Chores

This can often be a big issue between roommates, but there are many solutions. You and your roommate(s) can sit down and make a chore schedule where each person does a certain chore on a specific day. This way, everyone is doing their part and helping out with keeping your shared spaces clean.