1. Don't do anything drastic decorating-wise before you've had a chance to talk about it with them. If you've blanketed the room in bright pink and you roommate is not a fan, you've created issues before you've even had a chance to become friends.
  2. Establish some rules. If you are an early sleeper and your roommate likes to stay up late then work out a way that it works for both of you. Maybe you turn off half the lights or she works in the hallway. It's up to you two but rules are important.
  3. Don't gossip. It's a small world. It'll get back and she knows where you live.
  4. You don't have to be friends. You just have to respect each other.
  5. Get headphones. So important. I suffered through countless repetitions of Maroon 5 and the Rent soundtrack. Don't let that happen to you. Be kind, plug in your headphones. Please.
  6. If you get a care package from home, share.
  7. Be neat. Especially if you have a neat roommate. And life's easier if you can find everything.
  8. Take out the trash, even if it's not your turn.
  9. Ask before you borrow anything, fix anything you break, clean anything that you dirty.
  10. Ask before you invite lots of other friends over. And always include your roommate so they don't feel uncomfortable.