by Michelle B. Smith

Created on: August 19, 2009   Last Updated: August 20, 2009

Living with others can be difficult especially someone you have just met. Luckily, many colleges attempt to match roommates based on some similarities such as people who enjoy loud music, staying up late and if you prefer in room studying. No matter who your roommate turns out to be, there must be basic parameters that you agree upon. Even with boundaries set between the both of you, make sure to follow your own code of conduct through these simple etiquette rules.

Rule One: Always be aware of coming in late & your roommate's lifestyle

In high school you had less freedom to come and go when you please. In college, Fridays and Saturdays are no longer the only days you can stay out late. You may be spending every night out late if you are the partying type. Consider what time it is before you come into your dorm room. You should know if your roommate has early classes or not. If they do and are a light sleeper, make sure to be quiet when you enter. Even if you are innocently coming home later than usual, this can be seen as very rude. You do not want to start off college with enemies or a bad reputation. If it is extremely late, you might want to consider staying in the dorm room of the friends you were out with. This will avoid the animosity that can occur between you and your roommate.

Rule Two: Keep guests to a minimum

Unless you live in a campus townhouse, your room will not have that much space. Imagine entering your room and there is a large group of people sitting all around and even on your bed. This will lead to an angry conversation that will not end pretty. To avoid such hostilities, keep your guests to a minimum. This rule has multiple practicalities. While you trust your new friends, do you really trust the friends of your new friends? Stealing in college dorms has always been a problem. Do not invite people you barely know into your room unless all of your valuables are protected. To respect your roommate, do not allow your guests to roam freely. Just because you own part of the room does not give you the right to allow guests to sit on other people's bed. By keeping guest to a minimum you will be able to control the situation better, prevent items from being stolen or misplaced and will remain in good standing with your roommate.

Rule Three: Respect others property as your own

The old saying treat others as you would want to be treated still has relevance. Treating people's property as you would want your own treated is a great motto

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