Aly moved out of our room about two weeks ago. I meant to blog about it sooner, but I haven’t had a chance.  She and I hadn’t been getting along since before Spring Break, and more recently, she and Kaileigh had not been getting along. I know that advice is Morgan’s area of expertise, but I think this situation could provide help for other students dealing with the same issues. There are some things that you need to remember when you have roommate trouble.

Your first step should be to talk to your roommate about whatever problems you’re having. It’s easier to attempt to fix them yourself before involving others.

Talk to your RA and RD. They might be able to help. They might have you sign new roommate contracts to set boundaries in the room.

Try to keep things civil. For one, if you’re still living with someone you don’t get along with, you don’t want your room to have an uncomfortable atmosphere. Also, remember that this is a small school, and you’re going to see this person even if you or they move out. It’s easier to pass someone on one of the paths to class if things don’t end badly. So even if someone does move out, try not to be rude. Chances are  you’re going to run into your ex-roommate again.

Next, don’t start gossip. Plain and simple. No explanation should be needed.

Finally, if there were good times before you and your roommate started having troubles, if you were friends, try to remember that. It’s better than dwelling on everything that tore you apart.

I’m not saying that all of these suggestions will work, or even that we followed all of them when Aly moved out, but maybe they will help you to avoid the stress that this kind of situation puts on everyone. College is hard enough without coming back to your room and knowing you don’t want to be there.