Top 10 things your roommate might not tell you

Sharing a space with someone can be quite a learning experience, whether it’s with a friend or a complete stranger. While it may be full of good moments, there are bound to be a few quirks that you and your roommate will have to deal with. To make it all go smoothly and easily, here are a few unspoken rules that you may both be thinking about, but won’t always say out loud!

1. Turn off that alarm!

Setting an alarm early is one thing, but hitting snooze every 10 minutes for an hour? That’s a lot, especially if only one person wakes up. Try setting one that you know will wake you up, or try a vibrating alarm that keeps noise to a minimum.

2. Music and moods need balance.

From EDM at midnight to country at dawn, everyone has their own playlist. Before you get started, remember that headphones can be a lifesaver. Ultimately, keeping your roommate’s vibe in mind can save you from an unexpected concert review.

3. Guests are great, but heads-up texting is better.

Have you ever walked into your room and found a stranger chilling on your bed or an impromptu study group sprawled across the floor? A warning text can save everyone some discomfort and give you both a chance to prepare.

4. Doors are better closed than open.

On the road in a hurry? Take a moment to close the door. A little politeness goes a long way and prevents someone from having to get up to close the door for you.

5. Dishes are not decorative.

Those coffee cups and snack packaging do not belong in the exhibition. Throw them away and avoid the clutter that can quickly clutter a shared space. Seriously, it’s no fun walking into a room that smells like yesterday’s dinner.

6. The trash can is not Jenga.

When the trash can is full and you put another item on top of it, even though you should probably remove it, this is your cue to take it out. Just make a schedule so you and your roommate can rest instead of trying to play Jenga when it’s full.

7. Temperatures are not one-sided.

Some like it fresh, others like it warm. If you adjust the temperature, let your roommate know. That way you can avoid temperature struggles and find a comfortable middle ground. There is no need to open and close the window a hundred times.

8. Borrowing works best when you ask for it.

Have you ever seen your roommate wearing your clothes? If you are unsure, ask before you borrow. It keeps trust alive, especially when it comes to something that is important to your roommate.

9. Lights on? Not for everyone.

If your roommate is trying to sleep, consider switching to a desk lamp or a dimmer switch. They’ll appreciate it more than trying to fall asleep under what feels like a stadium spotlight. Seriously, the light in the dorms makes you feel like you’re at the dentist.

10. If you leave your shoes outside, we become not-so-secret spies of the night.

I get it. We all like to take off our shoes after a long day. But please don’t leave them outside so I have to jump around and inevitably trip when I get back in the middle of the night. Putting our shoes away helps both of us avoid hitting our faces on the floor.