My Dorm Life

Three Annoying Roommates And How to Deal With Them

Written By: hkennard - May• 08•12

Just about every college student has lived with an annoying roommate. In fact, you’re probably laughing at that statement. You’re probably thinking, “One annoying roommate? Try dozens!”

It seems that dealing with roommates is a rite of passage you can’t escape. Everyone does it and somehow everyone survives. Annoying roommates can be classified into three types, and each can be dealt with in a slightly different way.

The Nosy Roommate

Nosy roommates are some of the worst. These are the ones that hover over you, always want to know what you are up to, and, once in a while wander into the territory of trying to push their own opinions on to you. You know what it’s like. You come home late one night from your operations management study group and he is at the door waiting for you, ready with questions from “where have you been” to “who were you with.”  The best way to deal with these roommates is to not play into their tactics. Don’t give them the satisfaction of divulging all the details of your personal life. If they are smart, they will back off. If they aren’t, well, at least you haven’t told your life story to an annoying roommate.

The Bossy Roommate

Do you have a roommate who is always barking orders? Always telling you how to organize your food in the fridge, what temperature to set the thermostat at or how to park your car? Bossy roommates can be a headache. Sometimes you want to just tell them to back off. In fact, asking them to step back can be a useful way of dealing with this type of roommate, as long as you do it in a polite way. Just nicely inform them that you don’t need their help when it comes to how you fold your clothes, but thanks anyway. These roommates are often fueled when they get their own way. Not giving in may be a way to show her that you aren’t about to let her run your life.

The Drama Queen Roommate

Oh drama queens. These are the roommates who are somehow able to make a big deal out of every social situation, every missed point on their exam and every move you make. Drama queens like to go into details and rehash situations with you blow by blow. They also like to look for things that aren’t there. They may take offense at something you don’t think is a big deal, or they may feed off gossip. You can get some space from a drama queen by simply walking away. When she starts into her gossip session, a polite “I better get back to my homework” and leaving the room, should set some boundaries.

The secret to dealing with roommates is learning how to live with them without letting them get to you too much. If you have annoying roommates, just remember, there are probably little things you do that bother them too. Try to keep some healthy boundaries to your relationships with them and you’ll all get along.

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6 Roommates to 1 Bathroom

Written By: hkennard - Apr• 30•12

If you live in student housing, you know what it’s like to have six roommates to one bathroom. Mornings are rushed, the line for the shower is long, and it’s next to impossible to get some time in front of the mirror. In an apartment of girls, this is even worse. But, there are ways you can work with the situation and get some shower time in.

Schedule it Out

Asking your roommates to abide by a strict shower schedule probably isn’t going to work. However, setting up some loose guidelines might work. If some of you like to shower at night, maybe the other half can take showers in the morning. If one girl has an early-morning shift, but you don’t have to be to your software engineer training class until noon, you could wait and shower after she is out the door. Talk to each other and try to fit bathroom time in where it makes sense.

Take it To Another Room

Really, if you think about it, some of the things you do in the morning to get ready don’t have to be done in the bathroom. Buy a large, even full-length mirror, for your bedroom and use it for getting ready. Do what you need to in the bathroom — take a shower, use the restroom and brush your teeth — then get out of the way. Do things like your make up and hair in your bedroom in front of your own mirror, where you can have all the space you need!

Be Flexible

One of the biggest things to keep in mind when you feel like you have to fight for bathroom time is that you have to be flexible. People’s schedules are always changing, especially as college students. Class schedules and work schedules are only temporary. Roommates sleep in and yes, some roommates just don’t want to cooperate. If you can be patient and flexible, getting some bathroom time won’t feel like such an uphill battle.

If you plan things out, use a mirror in your bedroom and try to stay flexible, a six roommates to one bathroom situation doesn’t seem quit as bad. Good luck!

 

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How to Get Nursing Experience While Still in School

Written By: hkennard - Apr• 19•12

If you are a nursing student, one of the best ways to prepare for life after graduation is to get as much experience as you can before you leave school. Classes and labs will give you some good hands-on learning opportunities, but nothing compares to actual job experience. But how do you get this type of experience as a student?

Here are two ways you can get your feet wet in the medical field while still enrolled in nursing classes.

1. Internships

Of course, this may seem obvious. But, the trick is to land an internship that will give you either varied or focused experience. Confused? Let me explain. If you are not sure what kind of nurse you want to be when you graduate, you should look for an internship that will help you decide. Try to find one that will give you a first-hand look at what its like to be a pediatric nurse, a nurse midwife and an emergency room nurse, for example. If that’s not possible, consider doing multiple internships in different areas.

On the other hand, if you know exactly what area of nursing you want to go into, look for an internship in this area. This will give you the focused experience you need, and will look great on your resume when you apply for a job in the same area.

2. Volunteer Work

Most health centers, especially hospitals, love volunteers. Contact your local hospital and see if they have a volunteer sign up sheet, and chances are they will welcome your help. Depending on the nature of the work, volunteer work can give you just as much insight into a nursing career as an internship can. When an employer looks at your resume and sees volunteer work in the medical field, he will not only be impressed with your experience but with your willingness to work in the medical field without pay. This shows true passion.

You can make the most out of your volunteer work by asking if you can work in a specific department and by asking lots of questions. Some health centers also allow students to “job shadow” an employee for a day. If you are already serving as a volunteer, getting permission to shadow someone may be easier.

Even though you are still a nursing student, there are ways you can get experience and build your resume. Be smart when you look for internships and try to get the most out of volunteer work and you’ll be ready to compete in the job market.

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DivvyThat

Written By: hkennard - Apr• 07•12

Living with roommates has its challenges. There are dirty dishes, there are loud parties when you’re trying to study, and there isn’t much room in the fridge. And, there are utility bills. In most student living situations, utility bills like power, gas and sometimes Internet, are usually put in one roommate’s name. The bill is divided among the tenants and each person pays their portion.

Well, that’s how it is supposed to work in a perfect world. Everyone who has ever lived with a roommate knows that getting utility money isn’t always easy. Between excuses and a college student’s budget, getting cash for the gas bill can be a challenge.

Enter DivvyThat. DivvyThat is an online service that helps you pay the bills you divide up among your roommates. The service is a third-party bill paying service. That means that it divides the bill into equal portions, charges each roommate and pays the bill. It does all the hounding for you. You no longer have to hunt down a roommate who owes you three-months’ worth of Internet bills. You don’t have to have an accounting degree to recognize the beauty of that!

DivvyThat is very easy to use. You simply sign up for the service, enter your bills and invite your roommates to share the bill. Then, when the bill comes, DivvyThat will remind you to make a payment, and you (and each of your roommates) can log in and pay your part of the bill.

It’s free to sign up for DivvyThat, but there is a .99-cent service fee for each payment made. DivvyThat is very secure, so you don’t need to worry about providing your credit card information. You can pay your bill and rest assured that your information is safe. Next time that power bill comes in the mail, login to DivvyThat and let the service handle the rest!

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Step Outside Yourself and Volunteer

Written By: hkennard - Mar• 27•12

Volunteering is a great way to get your mind off your stresses, take a break from school and even build your resume. Thinking outside our own needs tends to make us realize that the things that stress us out really aren’t that bad. Also, as an added perk, when you volunteer, you are sure to impress potential employers.

Start in Your Major

Check around your department for any volunteering opportunities. Volunteering in an area that interests you will probably be more enjoyable, and you can probably learn a lot from just digging in in your industry. These kinds of volunteer opportunities also look great on your resume because it shows you’ve been somewhat involved in the field.

College Clubs

Many schools, both traditional and online colleges, have service clubs you can join. These clubs actively seek out ways they can volunteer on campus and in the community. This is an excellent way to network with other students and those in the community. You could also consider serving in a leadership position in one of these clubs.

Tutoring Departments

Check to see if your school has an offline or online tutoring program. Sometimes the students who work as tutors are paid, but sometimes they are volunteers. You can also check with your campus library to see if they have volunteer positions available.

Go Online

VolunteerMatch is an amazing resource that lets you find volunteer opportunities in your city. All you have to do is type in your location and you are given a list of organizations or events that need volunteers. You can also search by interest, so you can narrow down long lists of results.

Volunteering is not only good for you as you clear your mind and de-stress, but it is good for your community. Next time you need to unwind, or feel like trying something new, why not volunteer? You never know what good you may inspire.

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Why You Should Join a Student Club

Written By: hkennard - Mar• 14•12

Joining a club while you are in college can do more than boost your social life. In fact, it could be argued that students who participate in campus clubs are more likely to do better in school and in competing for a job after they graduate.

Whether you are attending a prestigious traditional school, or one of the best online schools in the country, chances are, your school provides ways you can get involved in student organizations. You shouldn’t pass up this chance to get involved.

Refine Your Skills

Even if the club you join is just a hobby, like fencing or Chess, the organization will help you hone your skills and talents. Becoming skilled in certain areas can be a huge plus for your resume and for your job interviews. Consider joining clubs that can help with professional development too, like a computer programming club or a service club.

Meet Other Students

Meeting other students isn’t just about being social and making friends. While these are great perks of joining a club, another perk is that you can network with your fellow students. Your classmates may be at your level, but someday you will all be out in the workforce, and all be valuable connections for each other.

Network With Professionals

Many clubs host guest speakers and networking events. These are invaluable club meetings that will give you the chance to meet people working in your industry. Take advantage of these connections by asking questions and staying in touch. Who knows? Maybe one of your professional connections can help you find an internship or even a full-time job after you graduate.

Find New Interests

Exploring your hobbies and getting better at your talents can open whole new doors you never even knew existed. For example, maybe you’ll fall so in love with what you do in your emergency preparedness club that you’ll decide to pursue a career in the medical field. Or, maybe you’ll realize the hands-on experience you have in your service club have made you realize a teaching career is not for you. Either way, you’ll learn more about yourself and find a career path you’ll be more likely to enjoy.

If you’re just starting school, or even if you are almost done with your degree program, think about joining a club that can help you foster new relationships, develop your skills and find new interests.

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How Not to Clean Like a Bachelor

Written By: hkennard - Mar• 01•12

We all know it’s true. Bachelors aren’t exactly known for keeping a tidy apartment. In fact, a bachelor’s pad is normally associated with being messy and care-free of cleaning regiments. We know this generalization isn’t always true, but here are three ways you can stay away from the stereotype.

1. Stay on Top of Things

Instead of waiting until your apartment smells and the dishes are piling over in the sink, do small chores throughout the week. Doing dishes as you use them and vacuuming every couple of days will make the occasional deep cleaning days easier. Instead of letting things get super dirty before rolling up your sleeves, chores will be a snap.

2. Clear the Clutter

Don’t just moving clutter from one area to another; actually clear it for good. If you need to, start an organization system for all your homework, textbooks, notebooks and any other types of clutter that is crowding you out. Then, when you clean up, actually use the system. Fill your bookshelves and paper trays and put things in the closet. You’ll be amazed at how clean an apartment can feel after a good de-cluttering that doesn’t include sweeping things under the rug.

3. Do the Occasional Deep Clean

You don’t need to scrub your shower every day. But, if you don’t do it about once a week, it will quickly get out of control. Set aside a day where you can spend an hour deep cleaning your apartment. This means scrubbing the shower, cleaning the oven and dusting all those hard-to-reach places like fans and blinds. Constantly doing spot cleans is a good start, but don’t ignore the need for a good deep clean every now and again.

With these three tips, your apartment will be sparkly and clean, and no one will wonder if a bachelor lives there!

 

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What Kind of Scholarship is Right For You?

Written By: hkennard - Feb• 21•12

With so many scholarship options out there, how do you know which one is for you? The application options can seem overwhelming, and it’s hard to know where to start.

Narrowing down a specific type of scholarship, or a couple types, you want to shoot for can make the process so much easier. Instead of searching through websites and catalogues wasting time looking at scholarships you probably don’t qualify for to begin with, you can spend your time and efforts on the ones that you are more likely to be awarded.

Academic Scholarships

While it may not be easy to qualify for these, academic scholarships are easy scholarships to apply for. Academic scholarships are awarded solely based on your grades. If you are the type of student that can land a 3.5 GPA and keep it all semester, these are the scholarships you should focus on.

Talent Scholarships

Talent scholarships are awarded to students who show exemplary talent in a specific area. There are literally dozens and dozens of types of scholarships that fall into this category. Many times they are awarded by specific associations or foundations that support your area of talent. There are lots of scholarships for students who are good at art, music, writing, dance and so many other areas. If you have a talent, chances are there is a scholarship for it.

Competitive Scholarships

Much like talent scholarships, competitive scholarships usually require an area of expertise, or a specialized skill. To be awarded one of these, you will compete with other students in a specific category. For example, you may win an art contest or an essay contest. These scholarships are very much talent based, but unlike talent scholarships, you have to directly compete with other students to be awarded one.

Athletic Scholarships

Athletic scholarships are much more difficult to qualify for. First, you must have competed in sports during high school, and you have to be good. Students who land athletic scholarships are good at their sport, so good that a school will help them pay for tuition to convince them to enroll in the college. If you were an all-star gymnast, golfer or football player in high school, consider applying for athletic scholarships.

Situational Scholarships

Situational scholarships often have a simple application process, but you must meet very specific qualifications to even be considered for one. There are situational scholarships for people of certain ethnic groups, who speak certain languages or who are earning a degree with the intentions of entering specific industries.

There are lots and lots of scholarships out there to apply for. The trick is deciding which kind to apply for so you can save time and effort for the scholarships you are most likely to be awarded. Turning in just a few very thorough applications is better than turning in dozens of half-hearted ones. Happy scholarship hunting!

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Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Conflict Resolution

Written By: hkennard - Feb• 17•12

When your roommate eats your pizza or blasts his music every night, it’s tempting to just let it go, or passively aggressively leave a note on the fridge. However, you have probably realized that this approach rarely, if ever works. The best way to deal with roommate conflict is to take care of it as soon as possible.

If a roommate offends you or uses something without asking, take them aside and explain the problem. Many times, a roommate doesn’t even realize they have committed the offense. If you politely bring the problem up, you may resolve it right then and there.

On the other hand, if you bring up a problem with a roommate and your roommate becomes argumentative, you may need to take another approach. Start by showing your roommate you are willing to help come to a solution, and aren’t placing blame for the issue solely on her. Things like offering to fix the problem by coming to a compromise can go a long way. Steering clear of accusatory statements that make your roommate feel blamed will help you come to a resolution much quicker. No one wants to cooperate when they feel like they are being blamed for something.

By finding a solution to the conflict as quickly as possible after it happens, you are avoiding letting things build up, simmer and then blow up later. Letting problems fester only makes them worse. Often times, a festering problem seems worse after someone has had time to think about it and become angrier about the situation. A small issue can quickly become much larger if it is left to fester.

Letting a problem go for too long can have long-term affects on a relationship. Failing to discuss problems is usually how grudges begin. When two people in any kind of relationship let a grudge get between them, their relationship is in danger of being permanently damaged.

The solution? As soon as a problem between you and your roommate arises, do what you can to resolve it. You may not be able to fix it within a short amount of time, but showing your friend that you are willing to work things out can help spark change.

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You Don’t Have to Pay For School By Yourself

Written By: hkennard - Feb• 06•12

The bad news is tuition is expensive, and unfortunately it is getting more expensive all the time. The good news is that you don’t have to pay for school all by yourself. No, I’m not referring to asking your parents to pay for it, but things like scholarships and federal aid.

If you aren’t aware of these tuition payment options yet, listen up, they could save you quite a bit of money in the long run.

Scholarships

The first thing that many people think of when they think of covered tuition is scholarships. There are all kinds of scholarships for high school seniors and students already in college. The trick is finding them. You can check with your guidance counselor to see if he knows of any you may qualify for, or if there are any local scholarships you can take advantage of. You can also just do some general Internet searching to find scholarships to apply for.

Pell Grants

Pell grants are given by the government and don’t have to be repaid. One of the biggest advantages of this kind of student aid is that the only qualifying factor is your income level. You don’t have to get straight A’s and you don’t have to compete with other students to win an essay contest to be awarded funds. You can apply for pell grants every year, and you may qualify for more or less funds each year, depending on your financial and life situation.

Federal Work-Study Program

You can apply for a federal work-study program that will line you up with a job so you can pay for tuition. Some students in these programs work on campus and some work off campus at a private, nonprofit agency or a public agency. Some schools have agreements set up with local organizations for work-study programs. Your school counselor can give you more information about these programs and how to apply.

Student Loans

Even though they have to be repaid, student loans are still a great option to help get yourself through school. There are federal and private student loans and you have to apply for both. If you are awarded a loan, your tuition will be paid and a portion of your loan will collect interest while you are in school. Then, once you graduate, you will begin to repay the loan. Most student loans have different repayment options, which make it so your monthly payment amount is dependent on your annual income or other factors. This is a great way to manage student loan debt.

Even though college is expensive, it is definitely worth it. You’ll be better prepared for the work force and qualify for higher-paying jobs. Finding ways to pay for college now will benefit you later in life as you become established in a career you enjoy.

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Furniture on The Cheap

Written By: hkennard - Feb• 01•12

Most college dorm rooms come furnished. But, if you’re going the other route, and renting an off-campus apartment, your new digs probably don’t come with furniture. Going off campus has its perks, and having to round up some furniture is worth it to have some independence.

Furnishing your new apartment doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, you might be surprised at how affordable buying furniture can be. There are places where you can find used furniture that is still in good condition and that meets your budget.

Thrift Stores

First, check out local thrift stores. The secret to buying furniture there is to check back often and snag a good deal. When you regularly visit the store, you’ll be more likely to find that great couch for a low price. Thrift store furniture is used, but usually in good condition. Don’t forget you can steam clean things like couches and you can repaint or refinish wood furniture to give it a new look.

Craigslist and Classifieds

Craigslist and other local classified ads have a furniture section you can search through. Some of the best furniture deals can be found with individuals who are trying to get rid of furniture due to a move or purchase of new furniture. Lots of times, these people are eager to get rid of old furniture, so are willing to negotiate on a price. Best of all, classified ads often have a “Free” section!

Family and Friends

Ask around. Friends and family who are moving or who recently bought new furniture will probably me more than happy to help you furnish your new place. Sometimes people have old furniture in their garage or storage unit, so don’t be shy to ask friends if they have any old furniture. A simple “Hey, do you know of anyone with a couch they are looking to get rid of?” is a polite way to ask.

Yard Sales

Yard sale hunting is harder to plan, and may not be the ideal way to find furniture on a deadline. But, some areas hold weekly yard sales and during the summer, they are easy to find. Look for sales and if you happen to run across one, stop by to see if there are any great finds.

As you move into your new place, it’s not impossible to find furniture you can afford. Keep an eye out for ads and yard sales and become a regular at your local thrift store and before you know it, you’ll have a fully furnished place!

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Get Your School Paid For

Written By: hkennard - Jan• 24•12

Did you know you don’t have to be a 4.0 student to qualify for a scholarship? It’s true! There are all kinds of scholarships out there, and not all of them are rewarded based on grades.

You might be surprised to find out you qualify for easy scholarships that could pay for your school, or at least greatly reduce tuition costs. The trick to finding scholarships is to search for ones that you think you may qualify for. By looking for specific scholarships in niche areas, you’ll save time when you skip having to sift through listings of scholarships you probably won’t qualify for.

A good place to start your scholarship search is to look for cultural and racial scholarships. Several organizations offer scholarships to students who are of African, Latin and Native American descent. Do some Internet searching to find if there is an organization that can help you find one of these scholarships.

There are also similar scholarships for those who have served in the military or who have parents who have served. Visit the specific branch of military’s website and see if they have scholarship programs you an apply for..

Another easy scholarship category is special talents. Believe it or not, there is actually a scholarship for being tall! You can also receive a scholarship for talents like music, art and writing and even trades like welding and carpentry. If you are talented in these areas, qualifying for a scholarship should be easy.

Scholarships are also available for students who plant to go into a certain career field. For example, there are scholarships for future teachers. Check with your guidance counselor’s office or do some online searching to see if your area of study has these kinds of scholarships.

So, even though you may not be a straight-A student, you probably have a lot going for you in other areas. These talents and special traits could help you qualify for a scholarship and make your education more affordable.

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Storage Smarts

Written By: hkennard - Jan• 16•12

You’re living in a cramped dorm room. Storage is tight and you don’t exactly have a walk-in closet. In fact, there are probably two of you competing for storage space for books, clothes, computer accessories, kitchen utensils and well, just stuff.

How do you find room for everything? By using every inch of available space very wisely.

Under the Bed

The most obvious place to start is under the bet. But, don’t just cram everything under there. Doing it in an organized way will make it possible to fit even more in the space. Consider buying some bed risers that will lift your bed a little higher off the ground. Also, use bins and Rubbermaid containers that are designed to fit under the bed.

Top of the Closet

You’ve probably already hung up as many clothes as humanly possible on your closet rack. If you have a shelf above your hanging

clothes, use it to the max. Buy some adjustable wire shelves that can sit on top of the closet shelf to take advantage of vertical space. If you don’t need to get to the things you store on the shelf regularly, you could also just stack up some Rubbermaid containers.

Above the Bed

If your bed is against a wall, there is lots of wall space above the bed that isn’t being used. Move your posters over and install some shelves. You can use these to store books, notebooks, your laptop and anything else that needs a home.

Behind Doors

Use a hanging shoe rack on the inside of your closet door and again, vertical space is your friend. This will clear up the closet floor, where you can store other things. You can also get racks to hang on the back of your bedroom door for things like jewelry or other accessories like head bands, belts, ties and scarves.

If you’re finding yourself buried under piles of stuff, it’s time to clean out your room and put some of these storage solutions in place!

 

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Less Stress = More Productivity

Written By: hkennard - Jan• 11•12

The less you stress you have, the more productive you can be. This probably comes as no surprise. The trick is figuring out how to reduce stress and get everything that is going on in your life under control so you can do well in school and still have a social life.

Here are 10 ways you can cut the stress of your life and increase your productivity:

  1. Time Inventory – For two weeks, keep a record of how you spend your time. When you see where time is wasted, you can pick up the slack and use that time more wisely. You can also find space to fit in things you thought you didn’t have time for.
  2. Baby Steps – When you have a big, overwhelming project like a research paper, break it into smaller steps. Set a goal to research five sources one day, make an outline on another day and write the first three pages the next. This makes big tasks much less stressful.
  3. Focus – Set a goal to focus on your homework for a certain amount of time, say 20 minutes. Once you reach 20 minutes, take a Facebook or snack break, then get back to work.
  4. In the Zone – Make your study area distraction free by turning off your cell phone, logging out of social media and your email and if you have to, use noise-canceling headphones to block out noisy neighbors.
  5. Priorities – Each day, make a list of everything you need to get done that day. Then assign each task a number, one being the most important, and so on. Work your way through your list one at a time, getting the most important things done first.
  6. Learn to Say No – Sometimes you have to learn to say no to everything except what you need to get done for school. It’s ok to tell your friend you can’t help them with a project, or to tell your room mates you have to study for a test instead of going to a movie. Learning to say no will help you be more productive.
  7. Sleep Well – Make sure you are getting at least eight hours of sleep. This will help you stay healthy and be able to focus on school work during the day.
  8. Make a Plan – Sketch out when you will do what. For example, maybe on Monday and Tuesday you will do that big paper and then on Wednesday you will start studying for your medical assistant test. Having a set plan makes you less anxious, and less likely to stress out.
  9. Use Time Wisely – When you sit down to study, set a goal for what you want to get done. Maybe you want to complete your sociology chapter and then take some notes on the reading before you finish for the day. Buckle down and do it before you ditch the library.
  10. Get Help - If you struggle with staying on task, talk to a school counselor. He or she can help you arrange your schedule so it is more manageable or even give you more tips on how to be less stressed and more productive.

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New Roommates and Your First Impression

Written By: hkennard - Jan• 03•12

As you come back from winter break, you may be meeting some new room mates for the first time. Everyone knows this can either be a great experience or an extremely awkward one.

Meeting new people, especially those you are going to have to live with, for the first time can be intimidating. College roommates can be your best friends or they can end up being the people you look back on and are glad you have moved on from. A lot of how your relationship will go is dependent on your first meeting. Sure, there is more to a person than a first impression, but a first impression can get your relationship off to a good start.

Hello, My Name Is

Everyone likes to be addressed by their name. There is nothing more embarrassing than forgetting the name of the person you share the shower with. When you meet your new roommate, repeat his or her name back, this will help you remember it. Also, be sure to use it often when speaking to them. “Scott” is a much better way to adress someone than “Hey, you!”

A Little About Me

When you first meet your roommate, start off the conversation by introducing yourself. Tell her where you are from and what you are studying. This not only gives them a place to start when it comes to getting to know you, but it is also a great way to invite them to open up. They’ll introduce themselves and who knows, you may have lots in common!

Learn to Listen

Don’t over do the introduction. After you tell your roommate a little about yourself, listen to them. Let them introduce themselves, uninterrupted. Few things are more boring than listening to someone talk about themselves without letting others get a word in edge wise. Listen to your new roommate, get to know them and hear what they have to say.

Stand Tall

Good posture shows that you are confident. In fact, psychologists have found that it only takes about a tench of a second to make a good first impression. That doesn’t leave you much room to say anything, so looking happy and approachable is key. Stand up straight, smile and use open body language. The more confident and out going you show yourself to be, the easier it will be to start a relationship with your new roommate.

Being yourself is also essential to making a good first impression. Show your true colors and be genuine, and the rest of your relationship will follow suite.

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