While most people dreaded the entire roommate situation, this was something I looked forward to. Any time before, when I had a random roommate, things had worked out for the best, and I became close to whoever it was I had to share my living space with. Then along came college.
From someone who knows, here is what not to do, to be a good roommate, for all you potentially bad roommates out there.
1. Homesickness is probably inevitable. But fight the urge to yell at your dad because he MIGHT be coming down in a week, and you don't think you can handle not knowing, because if he doesn't come, your hopes will be dashed and you won't recover for a month.
2. If you are in a bad mood, do not bring your roommate down with you. Talking about something that makes her sad will only make her angry at you.
3. Studying is good. Studying every night is better. Studying all night every night, including weekends and holidays, with no breaks is retarded.
4. If it smells in your room, AND you can't smell it, something is not right.
5. No matter what kind of dreams you have, DO NOT share them with your roommate if they involve lesbians. No one wants to hear that, especially a roommate of the same gender. Especially if you mention that it involved someone in your building. Because generally you and your roommate know the same people. And it scares your roommate to think that.
6. Don't ask your roommate to check in with you when she gets home. She's probably not going to die. And she doesn't want a lecture from you when you think she's stayed out too late.
7. Bringing the entire family to the dorm for family weekend to spend large amounts of time is awkward for your roommate. She doesn't know these people like you do, and she doesn't really care WHO cut Fifi's fur last weekend.
8. Be open-minded. Not all sororities get wasted on a nightly basis. And not all people wearing black are going to mug you. Just because the girl next door likes music, does not mean she doesn't care about studying. And just because the kid next to you is overly loud, in no way implies that he doesn't bathe regularly.
9. Don't complain about the cafeteria food every day. If you don't like it, don't get a meal plan and cook for yourself. Stop asking your parents what they had for supper, and then complain how what you had is not a meal.
10. Your dog doesn't miss you. [I'm willing to debate this with someone] While they might notice you are gone at first, they are not going to speak with you on the phone, and mope around the house because you are gone. Don't expect them to bark hello, and for the love of God, do not be offended when they run away from the phone.
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