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College life gives us an all-around life experience, from excellent education to social interactions and independence.
You will be enjoying various things such as going out with friends and having the freedom to do things without parental interference.
However, it is highly unlikely that you’ll be staying alone; you’ll have a college roommate. The downside to this is meeting a roommate you are not compatible with.
Having a roommate you do not get along with can be worse than attending classes from 8 am to 5 pm. Such roommates are usually on the extreme level of things, from irrational clean freaks to extreme messiness.
Such individuals can make your college life unhappy. But don’t fret; here are some tips on handling an annoying roommate if you are unlucky to find one.
Get a Neutral Person to Mediate Your Differences
Whatever issues you may be going through, most of them can be solved by an independent party.
Your friends will probably take your side and fault your roommate. So getting a neutral party is essential. A neutral party will help both of you view life from each other’s perspective.
As much as your roommate may be in the wrong, don’t be afraid to compromise. Sometimes you will find that getting off to a rough start will help you build a stronger bond in the future. Therefore, you also need to prioritize peace.
Try Not to Speak Much
Getting into heated arguments only makes the relationship with your roommate more toxic. Try not to fall apart with your roommate since you will be living together.
Once you notice that you cannot have a cordial relationship, ensure you stay out of your roommate’s way by minding your own business and talking only when necessary.
Sometimes silence is a good remedy. Minimizing arguments will also give you time to think and carry out your assignments when you are in the room. You don’t have to be besties, but you do not have to be enemies. Having disputes with your roommate may ruin your days, even when you have woken up in a good mood.
Take Part in Different Activities
Your life does not have to revolve around the dorm or classes. There are various activities you can participate in while in college. The more you live out your life, the more your experience in college will be memorable.
Staying in a toxic environment directly impacts your class performance. Constant wrangles can make you lag in academics. You may also find yourself constantly asking for essay writing help since you can’t get the peace of mind to focus on your schoolwork.
You will disagree less with your roommate if you are not in the room most of the time. So it is best to engage yourself in various activities such as school clubs and sports. Stepping out of the room more will help you think out and decompress from school stressors such as the annoying roommate.
Buy Your Things
Sometimes disagreements arise from sharing items whereby the other person may feel disadvantaged because they contribute more.
If you frequently disagree because of shared items such as Netflix account or foodstuff, ensure you get your own to avoid arguments.
You will probably be living with your roommate for quite some time. Thus, it is best to eliminate some things that may cause friction between the two of you.
Be Kind
Your roommate may be mean because they also perceive you differently. We all have assumptions. By looking at others, we may create a false impression about them. So your roommate may be reacting to a perception they have already formed about you.
Try to be kind through your gestures and even words to demystify their assumption. For example, you can surprise them with gifts or ensure you say hi when you come in and bye when you leave.
You can check up on them by asking how their day was. That way, you will come out as polite, and it may change their attitude towards you.
Ask for a Reassignment
You do not have to stay in a toxic environment. If you have tried all avenues to work on your relationship, it is best to try and find a way to move out or swap roommates.
If your university allows it, you can raise it with the matron or the office as a detrimental issue to your mental well-being.
The Take-Away
Living with a roommate helps you to develop tolerance while living with others. However, in some cases, it may not be as rosy. You have to create solutions for a problematic roommate.
It can be maintaining silence or holding talks with them. All in all, always aim to create a peaceful environment for the sake of your physical and mental health.
