4 Ways to Fight Fair with Your Roommate

1. People aren't psychic, they can't read your mind. Be assertive and discuss problems as they come up.
2. Every problem is not someone else's fault . Own up to your own mistakes.
3. Don't be defensive. Listen to what he has to say and if you're wrong, own up and apologize.
4. If you can't seem to express yourslef verbally, e-mailing may be a good way to go. Just don't dwell and rant just because you're not face to face. Stay restrained.
5. Once you've settled your argument, make peace by renting a good movie or getting her some candy.
   

10 Tips for how to Get Along with Your Roommate

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.
    

5 Hardest Things About Being a Freshman

1. Being Homesick: For most people this is the first time they've ever been away from home for longer than a few weeks. You don't have mom or dad to give you a hug if you're having a bad day anymore. You don't have your little brother to argue with. You don't have Sarah, that friend you've had since 1st grade, to gossip with. Just admit it. Talk to your new friends. They're homesick too. Call home when you need it and talk it out. It gets better...trust me.
   
2. Staying in Touch: You made great friends in high school and you want to stay friends once you're apart. Like any long distance relationship, it's hard to stay in touch. Facebook each other occasionally and keep each other in the loop. During breaks plan reunions. It's possible to keep these friendships going, but its on you.
   
3. Making New Friends: Whether you're shy or not, its hard to start fresh and make new friends. However, there are hundreds of kids at your school just like you. Reach out and talk to someone. They are just as desperate to make connections as you are. Start with your roommate, move through your dorm at the beginning. These will probably be some of your closest freshman year friends so open your door and say hello!
   
4. Lack of Privacy: You're used to having your own room, shutting the door and doing your own thing. Suddenly you have a roommate and you're sharing everything. Maybe he's in the room all the time and you have no alone time. If this is the case then find somewhere on campus where you can relax on your own and meditate such as in the library or on the quad.
5. Being Lost: It's going to be overwhelming and lonely at first, no matter what and it'll be hard to make sense of what you're really doing there. Remember why you were excited to go to college. Stay focused on your goals. Focus on your classes or your athletics, whatever it is that gets you grounded again. It'll calm down and make more sense as you get orientated.