Living in college by yourself can be crazy enough just dealing with all the freedom, but when you’re obligated to deal with another crazy person is very different from you, that’s when things get tricky. Instead of stressing out immediately, work it out; understand your strengths and weaknesses make rules right away. If you’re not comfortable with being woken up from crazy partying in your room at 4 am, tell them, because if you’re not honest it will happen.
Some ways to manage your life with a new person without going crazy:
Do activities together, simple things that don’t involve alcohol.
If you figure out your personalities, likes and dislikes without the influence of alcohol you’re more likely to become friends quickly and if there is ever an argument you can work through it knowing their temperament. It’s also good to just have a back-up and a buffer that you can bond with when the rest of the new college experience is so chaotic. Take advantage of what you have in common and roll with it, if you’re lucky throughout the rest of your college career you’ll at least have one friend to always turn to.
Go to a party together and back each other up.
This could go two ways, really bad or really good, but either way, it’s a good way to get to know what to expect from your roommate when you’re not normally there. Do they go crazy drinking? Do they get angry easily? Are they timid and shy? Be there for your roommate and figure out what to expect from those late nights when they don’t come home or if they do. By knowing what to expect you’ll be more understanding, more self assured, and you’ll become closer friends or acquaintances.
Give each other space; don’t follow your roomie around like a hopeless puppy.
Spend time together, learn about each other and become friends, but don’t live for each other. Always take some time to leave the room while your roommate is there to give each other space and tell them to do the same for you.
Do study sessions together once a week and take advantage of the extra study tool your roomie provides you.
The first semester is always the hardest in academics and pace and you’re learning together so share your experiences and make sure you have a grounded base to keep you on track. There is no mother or father to tell you to do anything, so make your own structure and stick to it.
Keep lines of communication open.
This is the most important thing ever! If you don’t communicate things will build, you’ll start to resent each other and you’ll be on to your second roommate by the first month.