Talking to Your Roommates

Living with roommates isn't always easy. But with experience - and bit of effort on everyone's part - you can make sure your living arrangement has more ups than downs.

A lot of it boils down to simple communication with the people who share your space. Here are some tips:
 

Spend some quality time together

Get to know your roomies. Something as simple as watching The Simpsons together or just chatting about classes over hot chocolate can help you learn about people's interests.

Try not to hibernate all winter long in your room - come out and see what's happening. You may feel more comfortable in your home, if you're living with people you consider friends.
 

Talk about financial arrangements

When you first move in, it's a good idea to discuss costs and bills with your roommates right off the bat.

For example, you have to choose whether you will share a phone or have your own line. You also need to decide whose name will be on the bill and who will collect the money.

Take the time and decide which rate plans or companies you will sign up for shared services like hydro, Internet and cable. Some roomies may not be able to afford digital cable with pay-per-view, but can work basic cable into their budget.

Banking online allows everyone to pay their share of the costs without having to write cheques or being constantly nagged for money.
 

Schedule house meetings

All roommates should be considered when making decisions on issues that affect the entire household (such as cable, phone bills, food, activities or problems).

To get everyone involved, hold weekly or monthly meetings with all members of the household. This group time lets everyone air their problems and contribute to solutions.

Find out when everyone has some spare time and then make a note of it on the fridge or door. Make sure everyone is invited and has sufficient notice.

Creating alliances and excluding members of the house can lead to a spoiled environment and puts added pressure on roommates who are not involved in specific problems. Consideration, compromise and respect are all key factors in making a household run smoothly.
 

Ask before you use

Some people may not care, but others can be very protective of their possessions. One way to annoy people really quickly is to use their stuff without asking.

So if you have a craving for smoothies, but don't own the blender, ask the owner if you can use it first. Don't always assume that because you're sharing living space that you're sharing everything else.

A corollary to the asking rule is the using rule. Make sure you don't misuse what you've been given permission to use.

If your roommates said you could use their cooking pot, don't leave it in the sink for others to wash.
 

A little conversation goes a long way

Living with roommates doesn't have to be a source of stress. Be aware of each other's needs and respect them accordingly.

Communication through problem solving, discussion and even relaxed conversation can open the atmosphere and make the time spent together much more pleasant.