The first time in a college or school hostel can always be bewildering — more so if one doesn't get along with one's roommate.
Being away from home is hard enough as it is without adding further problems of sharing a room with a complete stranger. One's roommate can be one's best friend or worst enemy .
Roommates are a major part of one's life for a prolonged period of time. While some people choose to ignore their roommates completely, speaking only when spoken to, this rule doesn't necessarily apply at all times — and doesn't always work out for the best. Breaking the ice is important to get to know a little bit about a roommate's background. Student Sambhav Gupta advises, "The key is to be friendly and approachable so that you and your roommate can trust each other with your belongings and rely on each other in times of need." If something bothers him, he prefers to talk about it with his roommate and work the issue out, rather than complaining about it to his friends and having to live with the same problem in the future.
When the best of friends become roommates, living together may be exciting. However, everyone needs their space from time to time. Studying and living together can be a little too much so it is essential to have room to pursue individual interests or spend time with other people occasionally. Student Parikshith Shashikumar, who lives in an apartment with six other people, recognises the importance of respect. "It wouldn't be possible if we didn't respect each other's timetables, work ethics and needs. The trick is to give each other room, but not to let one another feel alone."
Not used to sharing? This is where one starts. Share - food, clothes, stories, opinions and responsibilities. Sambhav is all for sharing. "However," he warns, "the relationship should not be parasitic or overly-dependent." If you feel that you are always the one sweeping the floor or buying groceries, he suggests making a weekly list of chores that need to be accomplished and dividing the work equally.
Overall, a clear communication line should be established. Talking about qualms and preferences, things that make one uncomfortable and things that one appreciates, makes life easier for both roommates. "We live like a family," adds Parikshith, whose flatmates share a good home-cooked meal at the end of every day, over which they exchange news. "Spending time and communicating well builds up trust and a close bond between house mates."
Being away from home is hard enough as it is without adding further problems of sharing a room with a complete stranger. One's roommate can be one's best friend or worst enemy .
Roommates are a major part of one's life for a prolonged period of time. While some people choose to ignore their roommates completely, speaking only when spoken to, this rule doesn't necessarily apply at all times — and doesn't always work out for the best. Breaking the ice is important to get to know a little bit about a roommate's background. Student Sambhav Gupta advises, "The key is to be friendly and approachable so that you and your roommate can trust each other with your belongings and rely on each other in times of need." If something bothers him, he prefers to talk about it with his roommate and work the issue out, rather than complaining about it to his friends and having to live with the same problem in the future.
When the best of friends become roommates, living together may be exciting. However, everyone needs their space from time to time. Studying and living together can be a little too much so it is essential to have room to pursue individual interests or spend time with other people occasionally. Student Parikshith Shashikumar, who lives in an apartment with six other people, recognises the importance of respect. "It wouldn't be possible if we didn't respect each other's timetables, work ethics and needs. The trick is to give each other room, but not to let one another feel alone."
Not used to sharing? This is where one starts. Share - food, clothes, stories, opinions and responsibilities. Sambhav is all for sharing. "However," he warns, "the relationship should not be parasitic or overly-dependent." If you feel that you are always the one sweeping the floor or buying groceries, he suggests making a weekly list of chores that need to be accomplished and dividing the work equally.
Overall, a clear communication line should be established. Talking about qualms and preferences, things that make one uncomfortable and things that one appreciates, makes life easier for both roommates. "We live like a family," adds Parikshith, whose flatmates share a good home-cooked meal at the end of every day, over which they exchange news. "Spending time and communicating well builds up trust and a close bond between house mates."