Photo credit: Nora Lewis

Roommates: they might become your best friends. Or not. They may have everything in common with you. Or nothing at all. But if you practice common sense and courtesy, either scenario can work out just fine.

A few simple guidelines:

1. Take the roommate contract seriously.
2. Choose your bed wisely. If you sleep on the bottom bunk, people are going to sit on your bed.
3. Don’t assume. Ask. As in, don’t assume it’s okay to use your roommates’ things. Ask first.
4. Be patient and flexible. Understand that it’s not going to be sunshine and rainbows the whole time.
5. Accept that you’ll have to compromise occasionally.
6. Respect each other’s time, space, and opinions.
7. Be caring. 
8. If you’re going to live with your friends, be sure you really like them. And take the time to make an informed decision. Like dating, don’t rush it.
9. Clean up after yourself.
10. Remember, you don’t have to be best friends. But rooming together is a chance to make your first friend.