The summer heat is lingers but the school year brings promises of new and exciting adventures.
What else lingers? The nervousness that living with new and different people for the first time brings. Whether you have been “best friends forever” or are just meeting for the first time, there are some crucial questions that you should ask before you get too comfortable.
What decorations do you like/dislike in the apartment?
It is always very important to keep communication open. Discussing decorating is a good ice breaker and you can get a feel for what their taste is and whether or not you will be able to decorate further with them.
What you do every day?
It is important to know their daily schedule. Like what kind of a job they have, what time they like to shower (morning or night), what classes they have (who knows, you might get to share books) and what time they like to have dinner (an opportunity for some roommate bonding time). If any of these things bother you, it is best to get it out there before you get angry about it.
What kind of things do you like to do for fun?
Sometimes there are things that you can do together. Some things you just have to get used to over time and if you have something specific you both like to do it is easier to bond and grow a relationship with them.
Do you snore?
Now, this seems silly but there are some people who just do not know if they snore. It is important to get this out on the table from the very beginning. A good follow up question: Do I have permission to throw a pillow at you if you do?
How do you want to distribute the chores?
Responsibility is key. You are now living on campus. Mom is not around to clean up after you. It is best to have a chore chart somewhere in the apartment so that you can keep track of who is doing what during that week.
This also helps prevent one person from doing all of the cleaning in the apartment. That just creates animosity and no one wants that.
What are your study habits?
Since personal space is limited when living with roommates, it is always good to know when and how people like to study. That way you all can compromise so as to not bother everyone.
Blaring music at 3 in the morning while others are trying to sleep and you are cramming for your Christian Studies class is probably not best.
Do you have a significant other?
This is mildy important, mostly for the girls on campus. In fact, it is probably one of the first things most girls will ask their roommates.
However, the reason it is important to know, is because whether or not you have a boyfriend/girlfriend, personal space is needed for both parties.
How do you feel about people coming over?
The previous question leads to this one. Let’s face it, we all know a bunch of people and living on our own means having people over whenever we want (Well, for the most part. There is still a curfew).
You and your roommates need to now the best time for visitors. It is good to know what the others are comfortable with. Again, its about personal space and compromise.
What kind of relationship do you have with the Lord?
This can be a very touchy subject, so we must all be understanding to everyones situation. However, this is extermely important to the flow of the household. Jesus comes first in everything we do, so we must make sure that that is the same mindset of all of your roommates.
Is it okay to share?
Let’s face it, we all take something of our roommates without asking. To avoid getting into the awkward situation of getting caught red handed, try asking if they are comfortable with it first. (i.e. cleaning supplies, clothes, laundry detergent)
More questions will likely come up during the year. These are just starters to get to know each other better. Have fun!
