How to Prep for the School Year With Your Roommate

July 1, 2017

Whether you're getting ready for your first year of college or prepping for your senior year, you want to make your move in experience with your roommate go as smoothly as possible. You want to try to eliminate bringing duplicate items or more than your fair share. To smooth the transition into the new semester, follow these college roommate tips to plan your dorm room well before you arrive on campus.

Discuss Who Brings What to College

To avoid the awkward dilemma of two mini fridges and no coffee maker, talk to your new roommate well before moving day to find out what shared items he or she plans to bring to the dorm. After deciding what you need and what supplies you can live without, you can each make a dorm room checklist of college essentials. This might include a TV, a DVD player, a microwave, a circulating fan and an ironing board. Split the items equally between you. 

Also have a discussion about which supplies you both feel strongly about not sharing. For example, you may want some simple dishware for snacks even if you have a meal plan and you may not want to share those dishes. Other items might include a shower caddy with shower supplies, an alarm clock and a bike. 

Coordinate Your Dorm Decor

Another topic of discussion should be room decor, so you know both what to buy and what not to buy before you start shopping. Choose a core color or a basic color scheme that lets each of you express your personal style. Comforters draw the most focus in a room, so choose bed sets that don't clash too much in color or pattern. You can even swap pillow covers, sheets or other pieces to really bring your styles together.

Not sure you can decorate without seeing your roommate's choices? Consider going shopping together for dorm room essentials such as rugs, wall decorations and mirrors once you reach campus. This way, you can find matching items while splitting the cost evenly. You'll also get to know your roommate better right from the start.

Decide What Should Stay Out of the Dorm Room

Yet another consideration for a pleasant living experience is to ensure you don't bring any items that can trigger a roommate's allergies or any other health-related items that would be cause for concern.  Two such examples are incense and scented candles. You might find these items pleasing, but your roommate may not. If your roommate has a severe peanut allergy, then you will want to avoid bringing your own peanut butter stash for sandwiches.

Dorm rooms are notorious for their microscopic dimensions, so make sure both you and your roommate are okay if one of you wants to bring in big furniture pieces. Don't automatically assume that a futon, a love seat or a large TV stand is OK with your roommate before discussing it. Also be aware that your school may have a limit on the number of large items you're allowed to bring with you. 

Whether you're discussing what to bring or dealing with unexpected items, always approach each topic politely to sustain a good relationship with your roommate. Ask your roommate what time he or she plans to move in to the dorm, and find out whether a friend or relative is coming to help. This way, you can help each other on moving day while you plan the layout of your room.