1. Be Open
Studying abroad entails that you’ll meet diverse people which is beautiful if you are open to enjoy the beauties of diversity. Be courteous to your new roommates and discuss freely; from the known to the unknown. This way, all parties will learn others likes and dislikes and respect each other’s space. You’ll also learn what things can and cannot be shared, the logistics of study and socializing especially with significant others.
2. Work on becoming Friends
Everyone likes a friendly environment so be friendly to your roommates and they will reciprocate your kind gesture. Feel free to share your favourite foods, hobbies, TV shows, academic interests, etc. with them. In time, you’ll find common grounds that help you connect and conduct fun roommate rituals.
3. Have realistic Expectations
No matter how well you and your roommate get along, don’t expect them to cater to every aspect of your life. Always respect their space and endeavour to do your cooking and cleaning except if you agree to do so jointly. No one is perfect so give room for their faults and inadequacies and learn to compromise where necessary.
4. Follow the Golden Rule
Ultimately, treat your roommate the way you would want to be treated. By so doing, you’ll have a clear conscience and maintain very good ties. Respect their feelings and opinions; remember that they come from different backgrounds and have different orientations. So, maintain a positive attitude towards them even if you don’t buy into their opinions.
5. Be Sensitive and Understanding
The goal of being in school is to pursue academic excellence so don’t frustrate that effort by being difficult or selfish. Allow your roomie quality time to concentrate on their academics. Avoid distracting your roomie with loud phone conversations or by playing movies and music overly loud. Also, when you have friends over, let them respect your roommate’s privacy.
6. Resolve Conflicts Amicably
When two or more people find themselves in the same space over a period of time, conflicts are bound to occur at some point. When this happens, find a way to resolve them amicably with your roommate quickly rather than letting it fester. With good communication and understanding, you can enjoy your stay together.