10 Tips On How To Be The Best Roommate Possible

You've probably heard some roommate horror stories but here are 10 tips and tricks on how to be the best roommate possible.

They do say you never really know someone until you live with them, but they do also say that the type of roommate you get is primarily down to luck more than anything else. Having said this, when it comes to housemates you either love them or hate them. You either spend all of your time with them or you spend most of your time trying to actively avoid them.

They either become your family or you take comfort in the fact that you’ll never see them again after your tenancy.

Here are 10 tips and tricks on how to be the best roommate possible.

1. Don’t be Noisy during Designated Sleeping Hours

I mean even the best roommates being noisy once in a while is understandable because everyone does that. But just try and be mindful of your housemate’s schedules, for example, try not to be really noisy the night before they have a big exam or if they have to get up really early the next day for work.

2. Don’t Eat their Food

You’re a student, you can barely afford to feed yourself, what makes you think they can feed you to. Unless they say “Hi [enter your name here], you may eat this” don’t eat it.

3. In fact, Bring them Food

My housemates used to do this a lot, if I was in town and bought a cookie, I would always grab one for my housemate too, but you can only do this for your most elite housemates/roommates.

4. Make Time for Them

Don’t take your housemates for granted just because you live with them. My housemates and I used to watch Jane the Virgin and Riverdale together and it became a tradition in our house, and we all knew that we had to keep certain nights in the week free.

5. Don’t ditch them on a Night Out

This rule applies even if you don’t live with them but if you’re literally going back to the same house – ditching them is just an uncool move.

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6. Pull your Weight around the House

Take turns to take the bins out, clean the bathroom, buy toilet paper, hoover the house, clean the kitchen among several other household chores that require regular attention.

7. Don’t leave dirty dishes for Days in the Sink

This one is annoying because the dirty dishes just get in the way, start to smell and/or eventually, produce mould.

It’s far more socially acceptable to wash your saucepan immediately after you use it as opposed to letting it soak for 4 days in the sink.

8. Let them know when you’re Inviting Guests over

If you live in a house where some of your housemates have the tendency to wander in their pyjamas or without trousers, drop them a text when you’re inviting someone they don’t know over, they will appreciate it.

9. Pay your rent and bills on time

You may not have any intention in becoming the best roommate possible and that’s fine. But paying your bills and rent on time when you’re living with other people is just basic etiquette.

It should be noted that they will also appreciate you more if you don’t accidentally get them evicted and use up all of the hot water.

10. Look out for them

Housemates often end up in sibling territory and always find a way to stay in contact well after university. So always try to make sure they know you are there and will always listen to their drama (and/or genuine problems) whenever they need.