How to deal with a difficult college roommate

After spending months visiting different schools, preparing for the SAT/ACT, submitting scholarship essays and finalizing college applications, it can be incredibly exciting when you arrive for freshman move-in day at your dorm. However, this initial enthusiasm can be cut short if you discover you're not entirely compatible with your roommate. While it takes time to get used to living with someone new, sometimes it becomes painfully clear that you're going to have issues with your living situation. Here are some tips on how to deal with a difficult roommate.

Establish boundaries
Even for roommates who end up being best friends, it's important to establish boundaries in your shared room. For instance, you should discuss potential conflicts over different class schedules, social activities, sharing food and romantic relationships. By tacking these topics early in the semester, you can diffuse problematic situations down the line.

Cool off time
Try as you might to avoid it, chances are you will run into some sort of argument or disagreement with your roommate during your freshman year. Regardless of what the dispute is over, you should give yourself some time to cool off before addressing it together - as you might say something you regret in the heat of the moment. Considering that you'll be living together for the foreseeable future, it's best to handle arguments as diplomatically as possible.

Consider changing dorms
Sometimes no amount of discussion or diplomacy can fix an especially inconsiderate roommate. If your living situation should turn from bad to worse, you might want to consider arranging a change of dorm for the rest of your freshman year. Many students shift around between dorms as they adjust to college life, so be on the lookout for any available rooms mid-year.

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