Sharing a dorm or apartment with another person is not always easy—especially for students traveling abroad for the first time. It’s a good idea to find out as much as you can about your U.S. living arrangements before leaving home. Contact your prospective roommates as early as possible to get a sense of their personalities and expectations. Here are some other good tips for ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the United States.
1. Share your schedule.
It’s always a good idea to let your roommate know when you’ll be coming and going. You don’t have to provide specific, but giving a general idea of your schedule will prevent your roommate from worrying and help them to know when it’s OK to have company or listen to music loudly without disturbing you.
2. Do your part.
Keeping a chore list might sound silly at first, but many college roommates benefit from creating a weekly schedule for tidying up. Alternate responsibilities with your roommate and be aware of when it’s your turn to sweep or wash dishes. Shopping lists can also be handy if you and your roommate decide to share common household items. Avoid confusion by keeping track of whose turn it is to buy eggs, milk, or shampoo.
3. Stay connected with your roommates.
There’s no guarantee that your and your new roommate will be best friends—and that’s OK, so long as you feel comfortable and safe in your surroundings. It’s important, however, to communicate regularly to catch up on outstanding chores or other issues. Even if it’s only a quick lunch date here and there, be sure to make time for your roommate.
4. Make good financial decisions.
You will probably share at least a few expenses with your roommate, whether you’re paying rent jointly, sharing groceries, or splitting utility bills. Be mindful of these shared costs by keeping the thermostat at a reasonable temperature and limiting your use of shared household items. If you borrow things from your roommate, always get permission first and then return the item—be it money, clothing, or textbooks—as quickly as possible.
5. Establish a respectful relationship.
The United States is an incredibly diverse nation, and it can sometimes be challenging for international students to keep an open mind about cultural differences and lifestyles that conflict with their values. If there are qualities or behaviors that you will not tolerate from a roommate, be up-front with that information. Also, remember that your roommate may have preferences and requests of their own that you will need to acknowledge. Respecting one another’s boundaries from the start will ensure a positive experience for as long as you live with your roommate. If for any reason you decide to part ways with your roommate, be sure to do so peaceably and with no lingering disputes or debts.