When we get to college, it’s an awkward first experience sharing a bedroom with a roommate. We were used to our own rooms, in our own home, with privacy and predictability. Now, you have to share your space, free time, and personal time with someone else. It’s a good learning experience for you.

Though it’s uncomfortable at first, here are some of the most important ground rules you should lay with your roommate upon meeting him/her:

1. Joint Expenses:
   This is one of the most awkward roommates problems. Both of you need to download Venmo immediately to your phones. It’s free, and it enables you to send money in 2-seconds. When you buy joint items, have a Venmo pact that the other will pay you back immediately. No questions asked.
2. Compare Schedules:
   Instead of being passive aggressive about different wake up times, straight up compare your schedules on the first day of meeting. If one is waking up earlier than the other, they need to be courteous of the one sleeping. Same goes for who sleeps first.
3. Don’t Hit Snooze:
   Don’t be that roommate. Your roommate needs sleep, too. If you’re the first one up, don’t hit snooze. Grab an energy drink or coffee, get up, and leave your roommate to get some rest. They won’t hate you for it.
4. Be Friends:
   You don’t have to be best friends, but being at least some kind of friend with your roommate is important. Invite your roommate to parties and always ask them about upcoming tests so you can be respectful. It will result in a much more amiable and enjoyable dorm room experience.

You don’t need to be mortal enemies with your roommate. Respect their time and space, and they’ll do the same in return for you.