4 Tips For Getting Along With Your Roommates

Success starts with preparation, and at NorthPoint, we’ve got you covered. We share strategies for acing your first college presentation, such as practicing at your BYU-I student housing.

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Like most BYU-I-approved student housing, NorthPoint adheres to visitor policies. Knowing the rules can help prevent conflict with your roommates.

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Keeping your living space tidy when you are busy can be challenging, but there are plenty of ways to save time and improve your efficiency. Try out these tips to see what works best for you.

Sharing student housing with others comes with its challenges. It might be the first time you share a room with others. Having roommates can be an advantage, making getting to know others and having a vibrant social life more effortless. However, you may find it difficult to get alone time. Finding the right balance between privacy and your social life is important. You don't want to be so involved with your roommates that you never get time alone, but at the same time, you don't want to shut yourself away. If you're smart about how you use your time, you can achieve this balance. Setting boundaries, creating your own space, and setting up a schedule with roommates can all help. Why Privacy and Social Interactions Are Important Everyone needs privacy. At college, it helps you maintain your well-being and can be essential for achieving academic success, too. You need space to study in peace and time to examine your thoughts and feelings or just to unwind. But a vibrant social life is just as important, and college gives you the chance to really develop one. Spending time with others is good for your mental health . It helps you avoid loneliness, sharpens your mind, and boosts your mood. It could even help you live longer . Socializing enables you to build connections during college that could last a lifetime. How to Set Boundaries with Roommates Setting boundaries with your roommates is one of the best ways to create personal space for yourself. When you communicate with each other about your needs, you can all devise a solution that works for everyone. If you want to respect each other's boundaries, it's best to be upfront instead of waiting for tensions to rise. Try to have a polite discussion where everyone has their say. Set clear expectations and rules when you move in. These agreements might include dedicated hours for quiet studying or solo time in a shared bedroom. You could also talk about things like keeping the apartment clean and tidy and making sure you each know your responsibilities. It’s wise to draft a quick roommate agreement so you can refer to it later. Sometimes, conflicts and misunderstandings can arise. When this happens, there's no need for drama. If you can approach each other with kindness and understanding, you can get on the same page without fighting or falling out. If you feel compelled to address an issue, avoid being accusatory. Similarly, if your roommates want to discuss something with you, try not to be too defensive and remain open to resolving the concern. If you need help, consider bringing in a neutral third party to help mediate. To prevent problems from building and boiling over, it's a good idea to have regular check-ins. During these brief meetings, you'll have the opportunity to discuss how things are going and how you can collectively improve them for everyone. Creating Personal Space It can be tough to have your own space when you share an apartment and a room with others. But there are ways to do it so you and your roommates can have the personal time and space you need. Some of the steps you could take include: Using room dividers to separate rooms into smaller spaces Making use of noise-canceling headphones to block out noise from others, as well as keep your preferred audio to yourself Setting up a schedule to ensure everyone gets their alone time at some point during the day/week One of the most beneficial things you can have in shared student housing is a space you can retreat to. Even if it's just a corner or a space on your bed, it gives you somewhere to decompress, think, and relax without the pressure of having other people around. Managing Social Activities Your solo time matters, but it's also crucial that you don't retreat too far into your own world. College offers many opportunities to make new friends and create a fantastic social life. At the same time, you need to find a balance and make sure you're not spending too much time socializing instead of studying or recharging your batteries. You might want to get out there and start making friends, but it can be overwhelming. There's so much to do and so many people to meet, and you might feel like you can't miss out on anything. If you want a rich social life without getting overwhelmed, it's important to allow yourself to take a break. Set limits on your social time to ensure you have plenty of personal downtime. Respecting your roommates’ schedules and preferences is essential when planning social events at your apartment. If one of your roommates needs to study, it's not fair for you and your friends to disturb them–especially without warning. Respecting Each Other's Schedule and Space Everyone likes to organize their schedules for study, sleep, and other activities. Respecting each other's schedules helps to create harmony in your apartment. To be respectful of each other's space, try some of these strategies: Set quiet hours and use signals for when you want alone time. Set rules and schedules for using common areas. Schedule usage times and keep these spaces tidy. Be respectful of each other's belongings and personal space within common areas. Private and Shared BYU-Idaho Student Housing Sharing your home with others can be challenging, but you can make it work if you're respectful of each other. Start by aiming to communicate well and show each other respect and understanding. When you can respect each other, you can share your space in a way that works for everyone. Are you looking for the best student housing in Rexburg? Contact NorthPoint to learn about our private and shared student housing options .

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Although college can be a wonderful time for intellectual growth, the rewards of student life aren’t limited to academia. Attending college can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life if you allow it. There are many valuable lessons to learn along the way that extend beyond the classroom. Internalizing these lessons can set you up for success in a world outside your institution. 1. Embrace Independence For most of America’s 19 million students , college serves as their first genuine shot at independence. While your parents can certainly help you with the preparations, you will be required to fend for yourself on campus and in daily life. It truly is a time for coming of age. Embracing independence prepares you for adulthood and helps you achieve a greater sense of self-confidence, which can improve virtually all aspects of your life. As a college student, you will be challenged to embrace independence in many ways, including: Making good decisions without parental guidance Managing your finances and budgeting Taking responsibility for your living space Maintaining your physical and mental well-being Understanding the consequences of your choices and taking ownership of your actions These ventures will transform you into a more mature and self-sufficient person. 2. Connect With People from Diverse Backgrounds When thinking about ways to enhance your college experience , fostering meaningful human interactions should be at the top of your list. Connecting with people from diverse backgrounds can be particularly rewarding if you grew up around a small group of people with similar experiences as yourself. According to Forbes , over one million international students are currently enrolled in US colleges, and chances are many of them attend your university. You can establish valuable connections with people on campus or in your off-campus student housing community. In either situation, you must take the initiative by being open to forming friendships with students and other people. By connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, you will gain: Exposure to new perspectives and cultures Networking opportunities with peers, faculty, and other professionals The chance to develop more effective communication skills Opportunities to navigate differences in thoughts, beliefs, and values A more inclusive network These benefits will enrich your life in many ways while preparing you to thrive in the modern business landscape. 3. Manage Your Time Time is the most valuable resource. While many outsiders assume that college students have too much free time, the truth is that they have plenty of responsibilities. Learning how to manage your time effectively will help reduce stress, which can negatively affect your health and academic endeavors. Efficient time management can reduce procrastination while also enabling you to become better equipped to balance several tasks at once. The skills will become invaluable in your personal and professional life after graduation. Throughout your youth, there was always an authority figure helping you manage your time. As a college student, you will learn to take full responsibility for the following: Determining your priorities Balancing coursework, extracurriculars, social life, and personal well-being Understanding the importance of deadlines and finding ways to meet them Ensuring that multiple tasks can run simultaneously for better overall efficiency Avoiding distractions to stay on track Millions of people struggle with time management long into adulthood. College is the perfect place to improve this skill for life-changing results. 4. View Challenges as Growth Opportunities College life will accelerate your maturity almost instantaneously. Once orientation is over, your entire mindset will change. You will quickly learn that having thick skin and a sense of personal resilience is paramount to your success. We all face challenges in life, but choosing to view them as opportunities will help you build a better future. The college years are the perfect time to alter your approach to difficult moments and develop skills like patience and logical problem-solving. There are many situations that will test your strength, including: Coping with academic and personal pressures Dealing with setbacks and rejection Standing out when opportunities are scarce Enduring these experiences and regarding them as learning opportunities helps you build resilience through adversity. 5. Explore Passions Outside of Academics College isn’t just a time to expand your academic knowledge. It’s also a phenomenal opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, which includes passions outside of academia. It can help you identify the person you want to be outside of your chosen career. There are several ways to explore your passions. Building a diverse network, online or in-person, can help you discover new interests that become a core part of your identity. Experimenting with different student-led clubs and organizations can give you a taste of different hobbies, causes, and more. Exploring your passions outside of academics will help you determine your truest purpose. It is also a fun and joyful way to tend to your mental health. 6. Be Flexible It’s great to have a clear vision for your future. However, some circumstances are out of our control, and you must be open to the fact that things can change. Flexibility is a great skill to learn because it allows you to adapt to whatever life throws at you without falling. With a rigid mindset, even a minor shift in plans leads to stress, which harms your body and your mind. Although it may seem counterintuitive, being open-minded to change can help you identify new opportunities or find a better path in life—either to your intended goal or an entirely new destination. Learning to navigate change and uncertainty will benefit you long after college as you enter a world constantly affected by shifting economics, politics, social norms, and more. Find Affordable Student Housing in Rexburg While academic rewards and greater career prospects are the primary motivations for attending college, you will inevitably learn other lessons that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for student housing in Rexburg, Idaho, contact NorthPoint today. Allow our apartments to serve as your home base during your most formative years yet!

In college, hosting gatherings at home is an easy, affordable way to build friendships. Some people may feel disinclined to host because of the limited space apartments and other student housing options offer. However, there are plenty of ways around this. You just have to get creative!