Roommate Etiquette: How to Be the Best Roommate This School Year

So, you want to be the best roommate this school year. For most of you, if not all, this is your first time going to a boarding school. I can assure you that it’s a thrilling adventure where you will make great friends, unforgettable experiences, and develop a sense of independence. By now, you should know that you will be sharing your room with someone else. You might have already planned to room with someone from your school, or chosen to have a random roommate your first year (like I did). Either way, both lead to a great experience. It’s about putting the right foot forward and growing together!

To help you thrive in this new experience and make the most out of your time at IMSA, here are some guidelines and fun activities that will ensure you and your roommate have an enjoyable year together!

Guidelines:

1. Establish ground rules

One approach I found successful for my roommate and I was setting ground rules. We set up a plan where every week, one of us would clean the bathroom while the other would clean the bedroom, and vice versa. We also had guest policies so we couldn’t simply invite someone into the room without giving the other person a heads up. 

2. Be considerate of each other’s space

This one is quite simple. Don’t take your roommate’s items without asking. If you do share items, take care of them because the last thing you want is to break (and likely replace) important or cherishable items. .

3. Respect quiet time

This guideline is crucial. Talk to your roommate if you are either trying to work (noise canceling headphones or even regular headphones with music work well to cancel outside noise) or sleep (try to sleep at least 8 hours if you can!).

Fun Activities:

4. Go for a walk on Access Road

This is honestly one of the most effective ways to destress from the academic life at IMSA. If you want to go one up, you could even go on walking trips together (to 9bar,Chipotle and tons of other places)!

5. Play games together

Unwinding over games, physical or digital, is another great way to grow with your roommate and relax amidst the academic rigor. I remember playing Uno and Exploding Kittens with my roommate (and quad-mates) as well as playing games with my friends after 10 checks.