COME TO SCHOOL PREPARED: WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING WITH YOU?

Photo by Naassom Azevedo on Unsplash

One of the most important things for first-year college students is to be prepared for the obstacles that lie ahead. There may be things you don't normally bring with you when moving out on your own since someone else, such as a parent or guardian, usually takes care of them. Check the admission literature you received from the college for any specific items they want you to bring.

Get in touch with your roommate well before the start of the school year to make sure you don't bring the same furniture, like a couch or a refrigerator, to the same place. Adding a second person will simply complicate matters by taking up valuable space and adding stress to the scenario.

DIFFICULT IS IT TO DO BUSINESS WITH ROOMMATES.

When going to college, it's usual for students to live with their first roommate who isn't a family member. As with anything, there are benefits and drawbacks. If you and your college roommate get along, it will likely make your time in college more fun. When you go away for the first time, you gain a friend who will keep you company and someone you can confide in.

You may be partnered with someone you dislike or with whom you don't immediately connect because many institutions assign your first roommate at random. The following is sage advice in any event:

Create a set of ground rules before you begin working on the project to help you stay focused.

It's important to communicate your preferences upfront so that you and your roommate can prevent misunderstandings. In your home, you need to establish who has priority, when you need quiet time to study, which products you may share, what time you go to bed, whether or not you like to sleep in on weekends, and who is allowed to eat what in the refrigerator.

A roommate contract, which details your expectations and puts them in writing, may even be required in some dorms. Take your time, and maybe even work with a roommate to do this task. Keep a copy of your contract in a visible area in your room as a continual reminder and use it as a fun introduction exercise. Then, if you disagree, you'll have a starting point from which to negotiate a solution that's agreeable to all parties involved.

Keep in touch with one another clearly and concisely.
Direct communication skills will serve you well in both good and bad times. When you share a small space with someone you get along with, you will inevitably disagree or two. Conflicts of this nature are best resolved via open conversation. Do not expect your roommate to be able to read your thoughts, so if you find yourself angry or frustrated, tell your roommate about it right away. Keep a polite manner and pick your words carefully. As a result, you'll get a better response than if you simply attack or criticize the other person. You'll find out.

Effective communication is necessary for everyday interactions as well as professional ones. Attempt to get along with your housemate. Invite them over for coffee and find out about their day, or tell them how happy you are to have received a good grade on an essay. There is no harm in offering some words of encouragement and enthusiasm.

You'll have to adjust your expectations and make some compromises.

You must be willing to make concessions on your behalf when dealing with the objectives and requirements of others. Compromise is necessary when it comes to household chores, listening to certain genres of music, viewing particular television programs, and requesting privacy. In exchange for your contribution, your roommate will match it. Rather than agreeing to everyone's requests, compromising means coming to a mutually beneficial agreement. When you and your roommate can't agree on anything, use constructive communication skills to work things out.

If you and your roommate have a strained relationship, leaving your current residence should be your absolute last resort. Moving out can be an inconvenience, but resolving disagreements with your roommate can be an educational experience. After three months, if the situation is still difficult, you should consult with a student housing provider for advice. If you and your roommate disagree, you can always talk to your RA about it.