My guide to making the most out of sharing a room

Are you considering sharing a room in the halls? Sharing a room is an exceptional opportunity to make a new friend and share the ups and downs of your university journey with someone. It's also a great option if you want to save some money on accommodation costs. However, sharing your living space with another person may understandably seem like a scary prospect. In this post, I will give my best tips to help you prepare for sharing a room and avoid conflicts with your roommate. I hope they help you create a comfortable and harmonious living space in a shared room!

Discuss your boundaries and make rules

Am I allowed to bring friends over? Can I borrow my roommate's stuff? These are some of the things you may want to discuss with your roommate when you first move in. Having an honest conversation about your boundaries from early on will help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts later.

Examples of things you should consider bringing up:

• Guests: Are you comfortable with your roommate's friends hanging out in your room? What about overnight guests?
• Borrowing and sharing items: Are you willing to share any items, for example, cleaning supplies? Establish clear boundaries about what is shared and what is not.
• Quiet hours: What time do you usually go to bed in the evening? Agree on a time, for example, 11 pm, when the lights go out.
• Cleaning: How strict are you about the cleanliness of your room? Does it bother you if your roommate doesn't make their bed or tidy their desk?

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Show respect for each other's personal space and privacy

Sharing a room doesn't mean you no longer have any personal space or privacy. It is still your room where you should be able to feel comfortable and happy. Small actions show that you are considerate of your roommate's comfort and personal space. Remember that personal space is not only about physical space; it's also about giving each other the time and space to relax and recharge. For example, keep the noise to a minimum when your roommate is studying or taking a nap. Wear headphones when listening to music, watching a film, or playing games. If you're coming home late after a night out, try to be quiet and don't switch on all the lights. Give advance notice of your plans, for example, if you're planning to go away for the weekend or invite friends over. When it comes to maintaining a good relationship with your roommate, being respectful and considerate goes a long way.

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Discuss potential conflicts

If something is bothering you, be open about it and address it directly with your roommate. You don't want the small frustrations to build up and turn into long-term issues. In your discussion try to be respectful and state your criticism in a constructive manner. Similarly, if your roommate brings up an issue with you, try not to take it personally but view it as an opportunity to improve your shared living space. The truth is that we are all individuals with individual personalities and lifestyles that don't always match. Accept that the only way to overcome our differences is open and honest communication. However, if you still feel like your differences are too big and the conflicts are impossible to overcome, you can always reach out to the warden or subwardens in your hall.

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To wrap it up...

At its best, sharing a room is an unparalleled opportunity to get to know another person and potentially make a life-long friend. In addition to helping you ease into university life, having a roommate can help you improve your communication skills and have a positive impact on your personal growth. Overall, sharing a room can be one of the most rewarding experiences during your time at LSE.

Written by Jenni

Resident in Rosebery Hall