Making the Most of Your Student Housing: Tips for a Smooth Stay with Roommates

Living in student housing means sharing a space with others—whether they’re your best friends or people you’ve just met. A little communication and teamwork can go a long way in making your housing experience fun, stress-free, and comfortable. Here’s how to create a smooth and enjoyable living situation with your roommates! 

1. Set Expectations Early

The best time to set ground rules is before any issues arise.

• Have an open discussion – Talk about cleaning, guests, noise, and shared items early on.
• Make a cleaning schedule – Decide who does what and how often. Rotating chores can keep things fair.
• Respect each other’s schedules – If one of you has early classes and another stays up late, figure out quiet hours that work for everyone.
• Agree on shared expenses – Will you split the cost of cleaning supplies or take turns buying them

2. Keep Shared Spaces in Check

No one likes a messy kitchen or an overflowing trash can.

• Clean as you go – Leaving dishes in the sink “for later” often means “for your roommate to deal with.”
• Use labels for personal items – If you don’t want to share food or toiletries, label them to avoid confusion.
• Set boundaries for common areas – If you need quiet time to study, let your roommates know in advance.
• Be mindful of guests – If you plan on having people over, check in with your roommates first.

3. Be a Laundry & Trash Team Player

Since you’re all sharing the space, keeping things running smoothly helps everyone.

• Laundry etiquette matters – If you have in-unit laundry, don’t leave clothes sitting in the washer or dryer. If you use shared laundry, be mindful of others waiting their turn.
• Take out the trash before it overflows – If it’s full, take it out instead of waiting for someone else to do it.
• Use the dumpster correctly – Trash should be placed inside, never left outside or on the ground.
• Rotate responsibilities – Consider alternating who takes out the trash and recycling each week.

4. Parking & Move-In Day Courtesy

The first (and last) day in your apartment sets the tone for the year.

• Only park in designated spaces – Don't block driveways or take someone else's assigned spot.
• Unload quickly on move-in day – Be efficient so others can use the parking area too.
• Plan ahead for move-out – Communicate your departure date with your roommates and management to avoid confusion.

5. Communication is Key

The best way to avoid conflicts? Talk things out before they become bigger issues.

• Use a group chat – Keep everyone in the loop on apartment-related things like bills, maintenance, or cleaning.
• Address problems early – If something is bothering you, have a calm, direct conversation instead of letting resentment build up.
• Be flexible – Sometimes, compromises will need to be made—pick your battles wisely.
• Remember: You’re a team – The best roommates work together to create a home, not just a place to sleep.

Enjoy the Experience!

Living with roommates can be one of the best parts of college, as long as you work together and respect each other’s space. Keep communication open, be considerate, and you’ll create a positive and comfortable home for everyone.

Looking for more student housing tips? Check out our resources for move-in checklists and FAQs!