Newswise — For many first-year college students, it may be the first time they have had to share a room with another person. It can be an exciting, but at times trying experience, says Marci Berney, an associate director in the office of Residence Life at Saint Joseph’s University.
“Learning to live with someone else, especially someone who may have different habits, likes and dislikes, can be difficult for some students,” she says. “Living with a new roommate means getting to know that other person, but it is also a time for you to learn about yourself. While you think of what you need from a roommate, also be sure to reflect on your own behaviors and how your actions may positively or negatively impact others.”
She recommends that roommates talk to each other – the old-fashioned way, face-to-face, and not via text messaging or Facebook. “A real conversation is the best course of action when an issue comes up. It shows that you respect your roommate and your relationship enough to set aside some time to discuss how to productively resolve problems.”
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