How to Deal with a Difficult College Roommate (1)

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How to Deal with a Difficult College Roommate
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• For most college students, living with a
  roommate is an inevitability. Unfortunately, some
  students may also find themselves eventually
  living with a difficult roommate. Oftentimes, you
  arent allowed to choose your own roommate in
  college or university. And while roommate
  preference sheets can be used to help place you
  with a compatible roommate, sometimes you can run
  into issues. Thus, you may find yourself living
  with someone you dont like (or who doesnt like
  you), dont get along with and dont share the
  same living standards. However, there are always
  ways to deal with difficult people, especially
  roommates. Below are a few of these ways.

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Ask the Resident Advisor (RA) for Help

• Difficult roommates are usually called such
  because theyre disrespectful, inconsiderate,
  irresponsible and unwilling to make or follow any
  rules. Report the situation and ask for advice on
  what actions to take or how to best remedy the
  situation. Most likely, the advisor will refer
  you to the housing department or a counselor.
  Just keep in mind that its okay to seek help and
  take advice in difficult situations. It could
  prevent major problems, extreme stress or a
  dangerous situation.
• If youre looking for rooms to rent,
  Peterborough offers Severn Court Student
  Residence, where you can live with chosen
  roommates or be matched according to your
  lifestyle preferences and more.

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Set Ground Rules

• Ground rules can help make sharing a space as
  easy and pleasant as possible. Theyre also the
  perfect way to express your personal values,
  living standards and expectations for sharing a
  space. Sit down with your roommate and set rules
  at the beginning of your residency. Make sure
  these rules include
• Expectations for cleaning and cooking (if
  applicable)
• A chore chart, cleaning schedule and/or
  expectations for keeping your room neat and tidy
• Guidelines for having guests

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• A schedule for studying, as well as guidelines
  for noise levels, visitors, etc. during these
  times
• Preferences for curfews and sleeping hours
• Statements on pet peeves, dealing with annoying
  habits, etc.
• Setting ground rules could be essential for
  getting along with an incompatible roommate, as
  long as theyre willing to respect and follow
  them. It can also be useful in all roommate
  situations, including living off campus and
  sharing one of the student apartments for rent
  Peterborough offers.

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Be Upfront with Issues and Confront Them Head On

• Passive aggressiveness can be counterproductive,
  frustrating, disrespectful and unnerving. So, if
  your roommate creates an issue, has bad habits or
  does something you dont like, confront them head
  on. State your feelings about the issue and
  suggest working together to find a solution.
  Moreover, be patient and sure to present your
  feelings and approach him or her in a calm,
  respectful manner learn your cultural and/or
  personal difference and practice understanding.

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• Try to avoid leaving passive aggressive notes or
  messages and addressing him/her when youre not
  in person. Most importantly, if you notice an
  issue, bring it up and talk about it right away.
  Allowing things to build up or fester can breed
  anger and contempt, possibly leading to explosive
  confrontations and/or more problems.