When you enter college, there are going to be a lot of firsts. Doing your own laundry, prepping your own meals, waking up early for that dreaded 8 a.m. class—it’s all part of the experience. This period of life marks a major transition into adulthood, and honestly, it can hit you like a pile of bricks. One of the biggest shifts? Sharing your space. If you’re planning to live on campus, chances are high that you’ll be assigned a roommate.
At most colleges and universities, living on campus is required for first-year students. And in many cases, freshmen are placed in traditional dorms with double occupancy rooms. This means you’ll be sharing a fairly small living space with another person for the entire school year. Typically, you’ll be matched with another first-year student you’ve likely never met before. If you’re assigned a roommate a few months before move-in, it’s a good idea to reach out and start building a connection early. Even a simple text or quick video call can help break the ice before you’re officially living together.
Once move-in day arrives, you and your new roomie will start settling in and learning more about each other. It’s totally normal to experience a few bumps in the beginning. Building a bond takes time, especially when you’re adjusting to a new environment and sharing a space with someone you’ve just met. But if you start noticing problems—like struggling to share the bathroom, keeping your food safe, or even just starting conversations—these might be early signs of potential roommate trouble.
When you’re living with someone, especially someone you barely know, communication is everything. Talking about basic things like bedtimes, guests, and quiet hours for studying might feel awkward at first, but these conversations are essential. Setting expectations from the beginning helps prevent future issues and shows that you both respect each other’s space and routines. You’re not being rude by bringing these things up—in fact, you’re being mature.
Another common challenge? Clashing living styles. The truth is, you don’t know what kind of environment your roommate is used to at home. And since both of you are trying to create a “home away from home,” one person might get a little too comfortable—leaving stuff everywhere or taking up more space than they should. If that’s the case, don’t stay silent. Be honest (but respectful) and kindly ask them to keep shared areas clean. It’s not just about comfort—ignoring these issues could lead to warnings from your RA or housing staff.
And while sharing is a beautiful thing, always be mindful when it comes to your roommate’s stuff. Whether it’s snacks, clothes, chargers, or even the mini fridge—ask before you use anything that doesn’t belong to you. Boundaries are key. The same goes for being considerate of each other’s schedules. If you have an 8 a.m. class and need sleep, your roommate should be aware of that. And of course, it works both ways.
If things get tense and you feel like communication isn’t getting you anywhere, that’s when your RA (Resident Advisor) can step in. RAs are trained to help mediate roommate conflicts and make sure everyone feels safe and heard. If arguments or unresolved issues start to build up, mediation is usually the first step. This gives both roommates a chance to openly talk through their concerns with someone neutral. While it’s not always easy, these conversations can help clear the air and lead to a solution. But sometimes, even with mediation, things don’t improve.
If problems continue, your housing office may recommend a room change. It’s not an ideal outcome, but your peace of mind comes first. You deserve a calm, comfortable living space. If you’re given the option to move into another room—especially one that previously had no roommate—it might be worth asking if a single room is available. It’s not always possible, but it doesn’t hurt to check.
At the end of the day, having a roommate is often part of the college journey. It’s not always perfect, but it can be a learning experience and a chance to grow—not just as a student, but as a person.
Hopefully, your college living experience turns out to be a great one for both you and your roommate. And remember: respect each other’s space, don’t cross boundaries, and always keep the lines of communication open.