Living With Roommates: How to Keep the Vibe Chill & Respectful
Living with roommates? It’s not always sunshine and fairy lights, but it can be chill and drama-free with the right mindset and habits. Whether you’re a first-timer or a co-living veteran, here are a few golden rules to help you keep the peace, build good vibes, and maybe even make a few lifelong friends.
1. Communicate Early & Often
Don’t let small things fester. If something’s bothering you, speak up kindly and early. Be clear, respectful, and open to hearing their side too. Regular check-ins (even informal ones) help avoid awkward tension down the line.
2. Share the Chores (and Stick to It!)
No one wants to live with a dish-dodger. Set a cleaning schedule early on and make sure everyone’s pulling their weight. Whether it’s a shared Google Calendar or a whiteboard on the fridge, keeping it visual helps everyone stay accountable.
3. Keep Shared Spaces Clean
Your room is your kingdom, but shared spaces are everyone’s. Clean up after yourself in the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. A little courtesy goes a long way. No one likes mystery messes or rogue socks on the couch.
4. Respect Each Other’s Space & Time
Everyone needs downtime. Don’t blast music when someone’s studying or invite guests over without a heads-up. Think of it as co-living karma, treat their time and space how you want yours to be treated.
5. Set Boundaries & Expectations
From food sharing to borrowing chargers, every household has its own vibe. Talk through what’s okay and what’s off-limits early on. It helps avoid misunderstandings and sets a respectful tone from the start.
6. Be Clear About Bills
Money talks can get awkward fast—unless you’re upfront. Use convenient apps like Splitwise to track shared expenses fairly. No one wants to chase people down for a few dollars every month.
7. Don’t Forget to Have Fun
It’s not all rules and rosters! Make time for movie nights, group dinners, or even just a casual chat after class. A little effort to connect can turn housemates into homies.
8. If Problems Come Up, Talk—Don’t Ghost
Passive-aggressive notes on the fridge? A no-go. If something’s not working, have an honest convo. It might feel awkward at first, but trust us—talking it out always beats bottling it up.
Living with others isn’t always easy, but with mutual respect, good communication, and a little bit of humour, it can be one of the most rewarding parts of your student or rental life.
So here’s to clean dishes, open chats, and keeping the vibe chill.