A little planning, consideration, and communication can go a long way in getting along with new roommates and dorm mates in a college dorm.

First, planning and consideration. Living in a communal environment is new to many college students. While there may be several dozen residents on a floor, there is often one bathroom with three stalls and three or four showers.

Planning ahead and consideration can make sharing this communal space much easier. Especially in college, when many people's school and social calendars coincide, these become more important.

For example, if many on the floor have 11 a.m. classes, and someone is showering between 10 and 10:30, it is considerate to be quick. If long showers are preferred, planning ahead and showering early is probably a better idea. Similarly, if you get out of class at 3 on Fridays, taking a shower right after your classes is more considerate than waiting until 9 or 10, when everyone is getting ready to go out for the evening.

Being considerate is also important in other aspects of dorm bathroom etiquette. Although it may be more convenient to leave your toiletries in the restroom, there simply isn't room for everyone's personal items. Bring a basket or bucket to your dorm which has drainage holes, so that you can easily carry your toiletries from your room to the dorm, and back. Also, the shelf in the shower or on the sink is not the best location for empty toiletry packaging.

Communication, especially with your roommate, is very important as well. Remember, you will be sharing a (most likely) very small room with this person for the next nine months. Honest and open communication is very important, even about topics which may not be comfortable to discuss with a total stranger.

For instance, as uncomfortable as it may be to walk in on (or feel like you are not welcome because of) your roommate with a romantic partner, the awkwardness is greatly reduced if the two of you have discussed the issue. Is it okay with both of you if the other person brings someone home?

Communication is also different for establishing more day to day type routines. For instance, if one roommate is a night owl and the other is an early bird, it might be easier for both to get in the habit of studying in a friend's room or the library, rather than in the room, where a roommate may be asleep.

Also, communication can define the relationship with your roommate. Remember, this is a stranger. Don't judge or make assumptions. For instance, if you are going out to a party, don't assume that your roommate is not a drinker or a partier. Invite them out, or ask them if they like to drink.

With a little communication and consideration, the random stranger you've been paired with could easily become a life long friend.

Learn more about this author, Zach F.
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