Living with roommates can be difficult. Sometimes they are louder than we like, sometimes they are messier than we prefer and sometimes we just don’t get along.
COVID-19 has made living with roommates particularly tricky, as everyone is responsible for keeping each other safe during the pandemic. For many Tar Heels who were virtual during their first year, the upcoming fall semester might be your first experience living with other people.
The Editorial Board knows it can be comforting to hear from the experiences of others who have had bad roommate experiences — and trust us, we’ve been there — so here is our advice on how to navigate living with others.
Check their vibe
You can attempt to avoid problems altogether by trying to find the right roommate ahead of time. When getting to know people, make sure you agree on things that are important.
Do you both like to go out? Do you like a quiet study space? How clean do you keep your living spaces? Do you mind if other people come over?
You don’t need to “click” with this person immediately, but you can often tell if you don’t get along with someone after first encounters. If possible, meet with them in person (or over Zoom!) and have a conversation.
You can’t predict the future, but you should at least feel comfortable and somewhat compatible with the roommates you choose! Whatever you choose to do, don’t stress — some people decide to go random and end up with people they get along with really well.
