It is not very often that you will find someone in college who hasn’t experienced some sort of roommate drama. Going into college everyone is just so excited to finally be out from under their parents roof, they’re really not picky about who they share their space with. However, we all know that there is no such thing as a perfect roommate. There is always going to be some level of disagreement, stepping on toes and upset feelings. After all, you really don’t know someone until you live with them. So here is a breakdown of the good, the bad and the unbearable of living with another person.

The Good

Meeting new people. When you live with someone new and the two of you hit it off, you are bound to go out and party together. This is a great way to meet new people and expand your group of friends. After all, if you like your roommate it’s highly likely that you’ll also get along with the people she surrounds herself with, and vise versa.

An expanded wardrobe. The best is when you live with someone who wears the same size clothing and has great style. All girls have a time where they are sick of everything in their closet so it is fun to switch it up. Borrow and let be borrowed.

Friendship. It is nice to come home to your apartment and have someone to talk about the day with. Having someone who is willing to keep you company when you run errands is also a play. Another fun part of having a roommate is if you and your roommate can take a class together. Makes doing the homework, having to stay up late at night to ready, and studying on a Thursday  night easier and more entertaining.

The Bad

Rent. The subject of rent can get you and your roommate into some pretty stick situations. The best solution to this is to make sure you each pay your rent separately. Make sure you always write your name and apartment number on the check so management will know that you always pay your rent on time and won’t get the money confused with your roommates.

Guests. When you move in with someone, they always have friends and/or boyfriends that they want to have over. Which is fine. However, it’s one thing to have boyfriends/friends spend the night a few times a week, it’s another for them to stay every night, eat your food, make a mess and never help with the household chores. This is a major annoyance and must be dealt with before it happens, so set some ground rules about having guests over before you move in together. It is also important to make sure that your guests are respectful to your roommate.

Pets. If you or your roommate has a pet, she should be solely responsible for the care and well being of the animal. If it is your dog, don’t assume that when you spend the night out your roommate will automatically take your dog on a walk for you. If you have a cat, clean out the litter box often; it gets stinky quick. Most importantly, before bringing a pet into the apartment, talk to your roommate and make sure it is okay. Having an animal is a big responsibility and can cause a big mess.

The Unbearable

Parties when you’re trying to study. In case it isn’t bad enough that you can’t go out for thirsty Thursday because of a test Friday morning, it is even worse when your roommate is throwing a party. So get the ok from your roommate before you invite your graduating class over for a night of debauchery. Besides, if everyone is in on the party, then everyone is in on the clean up. This will also prevent the passive agressive behavior later.

Arguments over petty things. If you want to live in peace then don’t antagonize your roomies. Be honest, respectful and up front about your feelings and actions. I know it is tempting to make snide remarks on Facebook and Twitter when you’re upset, but please try your best to refrain, this only makes you look worse. And remember, if you want a good roommate you also have to be a good roommate.

Cleaning up. Nothing comes between roomies like a wall of dishes or trash, which also doubles as an all you can eat buffet for rats and roaches. The best rule of thumb is to clean the kitchen before you leave the kitchen. Unfortunately, school, work and dating schedules might preclude you from doing the dishes each and every time you eat, so get to them when you return or at least before you go to bed. If you wait, the dishes will pile up and may go unwashed for days or weeks. If you or your roomie never seem to get them done maybe a class in time management should be on next semesters schedule. Germs are not your friends.