AJR JED MSC

Students entering into their first year of college undergo a transitory period from life with mom and dad to greater independence. So it is not surprising when we encounter difficulties with making that change. This leads to many of us having such problems as roommate drama.

I lived with a guy my first semester of college who I knew I would butt-heads with immediately upon entering the room. All of his items were stored in containers in a precisely organized manner and I have never been known for my cleanliness. The difficulties only increased from there.

My roommate quickly developed an affinity for drinking and by the end of the semester he had Jack Daniel's bottles lining the walls of our room. This also led to him inviting his friends over for mini parties without my permission, even letting them sit on my bed and which sometimes ended up in his friends making blatantly snide comments about my personal life.

His drinking also only aggravated his economic woes. Though he got a job when he first came to college he failed to show up to that job for an entire month.

He then started to play online video games to an excessive amount even late into the night to my annoyance. This caused him to miss class and me to have increasing exhaustion.

I never knew his final grades that semester, but I know he did not return to WSU after that.

My second semester I had an exchange student for a roommate. The difference between the two living situations shocked me. While one roommate had been inconsiderate and invasive with my privacy the second one acted gracious in every way shape and form. Though, I had to help him with his homework on a regular basis the benefits from simple courtesy outweighed the costs extremely.

My story involves the dorm life, but I currently live happily in an apartment with two guys named Matt, and there has been very little drama or difficulty for nearly a year and a half now. In short it is working out very well. So I believe that my message remains applicable to anyone looking to live with other people.

First off, live with people who have similar lifestyle choices as you. If you drink or do not clean up after yourself right away, live with people who have similar habits. If that is not an option be prepared to make some concessions. Respect other people’s privacy — a little courtesy goes a long way — and remember karma, “what comes around goes around.”

Finally, keep your comments to yourself about other people’s life choices. While you may not agree with some of the things they do, do not go talking about it behind their back it will only lead to drama.