Rules for Living with a Roommate | SuiteAmerica 800 367 9501

23 May Rules for Living with a Roommate | SuiteAmerica 800 367 9501

Staying with SuiteAmerica in an upcoming intern program?

Sharing a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment during your temporary assignment?

SuiteAmerica has put together some great tips to help assist you while living with a roommate.

Respect Personal Space

Evading boundaries and privacy is probably one of the fastest way to drive a wedge between you and your new roommate. Remember the rule of thumb, don’t touch what doesn’t belong to you. You can avoid confrontation by asking before borrowing or moving something and keeping things in your own area.

Be Courteous with shared space

Be prepared to compromise, not everyone has the same idea of living as you may. Respect common spaces such as the living room, bathroom and dining areas. Be courteous of sleeping habits, as to not disturb anyone, by keeping the noise levels down after certain times of night. Communicate problems right away and be clear from the beginning on your expectations.

Do your part

You don’t have to be a clean freak to do your part; simply cleaning up after yourself, especially within common areas can eliminate potential disagreements. Things such as taking care of dirty dishes after eating or cooking, keeping up on laundry and rotating household chores are all great ways to contribute.

Voice your concerns

Creating written and/or verbal agreements upon moving can be very helpful. This should include all policies and provisions, including everything from an overnight guest, smoking, parking, division of household chores, quiet times and pets. At the same time it’s important to remember don’t stress the small things and avoid unnecessary confrontations over minor issues. If your roommate is constantly leaving dishes piled up every day that may be an issue, but if it happens once or twice, maybe not something to mention.

Follow bathroom etiquette

Work early in the morning? Don’t except the bathroom to just be available at any time, talk with your roommate about your schedules, even plan shower times if necessary. Respect everyone’s bathroom rights by keeping the counters, sink and toilet areas clean and using air fresheners when needed.

Stop any potential issues, by creating a personal Roommate agreement (see some examples below):

http://www.lawdepot.com/contracts/roommate-agreement/

http://www.nyu.edu/content/dam/nyu/offCampusHousing/documents/roommate_agreement.pdf