Sharing space with a stranger can w...

Sharing space with a stranger can work if you run after a few guidelines

Living with roommates, you can count upon the unexpected. Just ask Odell McPherson, who came dwelling from class one day to find that his roommate had guarded the walls and ceiling of their dorm with magazine centerfold McPherson, a senior at the University of southward Carolina in Columbia, remembers, "I had to push the bills up to find my way from one side the room.

Recognizing that sharing living space can be rougher than surviving organic chemistry, society s are working harder than aye to match compatible roommates. near colleges have students complete questionnaires in succession everything from musical taste to whether you like sleeping with the windows open

Although there are no guarantees of roommate bliss, here are a certain tips to help smooth the ride. If you're heading to corporation in the fall, you may plane want to get in touch with your roommate-to-be this summer Contact like this may help clear problems before they begin.

1 Talk early, talk often

Talk up impudence about issues that may cause put in commotion such as having overnight visitors in the room or using each other's things. Find gone out what your roommate is comfortable with and what your roommate calculate upons from you.

McPherson says talking about things early s a good (though not foolproof) way to avoid surprises later. For instance, he says, "Tell your roommate if you're a neat freak, for a like reason your roommate knows why you may go on around picking up his belongings."

If you discuss these things, or smooth write down a roommate contract early, you'll have something to give in charge back to later.

2 Television ye toothbrush no.

Decide what's fair to share. McPherson and his roommate decided that "personal things, like clothing and our desk drawers, we wouldn't touch," if it were not that anything out in the lay open like the television or phone was fair game as extended as they were careful with it.

Heather Phillips, a senior at the University of Montana in Missoula, learned the hard way that she and her roommate had different ideas about sharing. After picking up a care package of goodies from her parents, she left for class. When she reverted her roommate had opened it and tasted everything. Phillips explained to her roommate that she was happy to share yet preferred if she asked first.

3 Be positive

When you do talk with a roommate about a affect says Tammy Wells, a fresh graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, experience to say something positive and be understanding of her point of view. When she felt that her roommates' boyfriends had virtually mov in, she spoke up "I like your boyfriends, and I don't mind them coming over" she said, "but I ne a certain quantity of time when everyone isn't athwart here." The boyfriends started coming athwart mainly on the weekends.

If you really make trial of and still can't work things not at home talk to a resident assistant, or RA, who is trained in mediation. If all otherwise fails, you may need to court a room change.

4 unmutilated advice: Be flexible about music.

What if you're into geographical division music and your roommate can't stand it? Renee downrush a senior at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, was the RA for couple students in this predicament.

"One grew up in the political division and really liked country music, and the other really hated it," she says. The scholars eventually decided to listen to their acknowledge music when they were in the swing alone, but to pick mutually acceptable selections when they were there together.

If convolution is the problem, try to find a plain you can agree on, or advance with earphones.

5 Don't await your roommate to be your best friend.

Michael form Rabinovich, a student at Washington University in St Louis, was looking forward to having a roommate who was a friend. frequently to his dismay, he and his roommate did not become best buddies.

"My roommate will draw near into the room and he'll just place on his headphones," says Rabinovich. "It's like I have a single."

Rabinovich's solution: He has become upright friends with other folks forward the hall.

All in all, living with a roommate is an art, not a science.

"Be patient, remember that you're not going to be exactly the same," says McPherson. "Sometimes you have to give a little to memorize a little."

Sarah Endo is a former associate editor at CAREERS & COLLEGES

COPYRIGHT 2000 EM Guild, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group