Roommate Issues!

School has only been in session for a month and half. Yet, students are already having complications with roommates. Some have either gotten into verbal confrontations and, even worst physical confrontations. This is result of a few things. The main reason being a lack of communication.

First time college students are almost always advised to have a one-on-one conversation with their roommate when they first get together. The conversation should be thought of as almost like an interview. This helps "roomies" to get a better understanding of each other. This is the perfect opportunity to set boundaries, as well as negotiate other issues. There are basic things that should be practiced with, or without, conversing with your roommate. Below are some tips to building a great relationship with your roommate:

• Cleaning tasks should be delegated between roommates. Set up a system. Maybe you would clean the kitchen and bathroom, and your roommate would clean the common area and the bedroom. Be sure to set up a system that works well for the both of you. Nevertheless, take responsibility for yourself and clean up after yourself if you make a mess. Don't expect your roommate to clean up your mess.


• Respect quiet hours. When your roommate is studying or sleeping, be respectful and keep the noise at a minimum. Sleep is just as important as studying in college, so don't wake your "roomie".

• Never use a roommate's stuff without permission. It can create huge problems. You never how territorial someone may be about their belongings. I know this from personal experience. I'm actually very territorial. And when a roommate loaned one of my curling irons to her friend, I totally blew up about. We actually stopped speaking for few months. So just don't do it.
  

• Set rules for visitations. Come to an agreement about visitation hours. Ask before you allow your friends and significant other to spend the night. When it comes to your significant other spending the night, don't get physical with your roommate present. Create a system where you can give your roommate the red flag if you are about to partake in those type of moments. That way he ans she will know to avoid coming in the room. However, be respectful and try not to take advantage of this opportunity.

• Don't dish dirt about your roommate. If you have issues about you roommate's living habits, talk to he/she about it. Don't claim to others about it, because its disrespectful and can cause a major confrontation.

Adjusting to living arrangements your first year away from home can be difficult for you, but it can go a lot smoother if you try to build a great relationship/acquaintance with your roommate.

Get Healthy Students!

While living on campus, it can be hard to adopt or maintain healthy eating habits, and fitness. Homework and studying tends to get the most of your time. As a college student, studies should always be the main priority. However, one's health should never be neglected. As the body gets older, its gets harder to retain health. Although it can be time consuming and difficult at times, students should take advantage of their youth and maintain their health. Below are some tips for maintaining health and keeping stress at a minute:

• Sleep is of the essence!..Campus life can keep a student in motion non-stop, forcing them to put sleep at the bottom of their priorities. Students should at least get 6-8hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep causes a lack of concentration, and an increase of stress. Try sticking to a regular sleep pattern.
• Eat wisely. Many college students tend to gain weight at college. This is a result of eating late and the consumption junk food. Students should never skip breakfast; it contributes to weight gain. They should also try at least 3 whole portioned meals. When snacking, try healthier snacks: granola bars, yogurt, or fruit. Also, drink lots of water. Try to stay away from vending machines.
• Exercise. Try to go to the gym for at least 30 minutes. Take a friend to make it a fun event. If there is just not enough time in the day, there are other ways to stay fit. Instead of driving, walk. Skip the elevator and take the stairs.
• Last but not least, RELAX!