<p>Hi.</p>
<p>So, if the roommate wants to listen to music and you want to study, how are you going to study in your room?</p>
<p>Or am I misguided here...as in does all studying in college happen in libraries?</p>
<p>Basically, how do you study in the presence of a roommate?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Ask roommate to use headphones.</p>
<p>You go somewhere else, you study with the music on, or you ask them to be quiet.</p>
<p>My roommate DIDN’T BRING headphones. Bring headphones.</p>
<p>Well,the music is just an example. I mean, other things like fear of him/her stealing my stuff?</p>
<p>I mean, this roommate thing is kind of crazy when viewed from here, but everyone does it, I don’t know how…can anyone tell whats so easy about this?</p>
<p>It is all about trust. Personally, I’m not too keen about the whole roommate thing either. Heck, I just moved out recently because I had a problem with my roommate having guests over during the weekday when I was trying to study. I couldn’t solve the problem and my RA was useless.</p>
<p>It might not be easy at first because seriously, you’re meeting someone for the first time and will have to live with them for a semester/year. You have to gain trust from your roommate. Usually, you guys have to fill out some sort of “contract” or set some ground rules. Make sure that happens (or else you’ll be screwed over like me). </p>
<p>It’s your room too, so if you want to study, you have the right to. Libraries are nice once in a while. I personally find it hard to study at my desk in my dorm.</p>
<p>Don’t fear him/her stealing your stuff until they give you a reason. Seriously, give people the benefit of the doubt unless he/she proves otherwise. Obviously, don’t leave valuables and money lying around as these are open for anyone to steal. </p>
<p>And ask him/her to simply turn down the music. It’s your room too.</p>
<p>I really encourage having a roommate meeting at the beginning of the semester, while you’re still in the “getting to know you” phase. A lot of colleges require this. It lets you discuss ground rules like “I need quiet to study, so do if you want to listen to music or something and i’m studying in the room, could you use headphones?” Also things like overnight visitors (are you okay with that, what’s the protocol (do they have to alert you, can they just bring people whenever), locking the door, respect for stuff (you’re welcome to watch my DVDs whenever you want, but please ask me before using my other stuff. It’s probably fine, but I want to know). </p>
<p>These meetings sound a little awkward at first, but they’re really helfpul in the long run. Everybody knows the rules, everybody follows them. </p>
<p>Also, just remember that your roommate probably wants quiet to study too, they probably want their stuff to be safe too, and they’re just as nervous as you. No one comes into a situation where they live with a stranger feeling totally confident. Just try to relax and not get worried about hypotheticals.</p>
<p>^^^ definitely agree.</p>
<p>Meet with your roommate and just get to know them as a person. Yes, it’s awkward at first, but you should NEVER assume that someone might steal from you. If you do, it’ll right away start the year off horribly.
As for studying, you guys will develop a system that works for you both. Not to mention, there’s no rule that you must study only in your room - personally I found that I studied a lot better when I went to either the library or my dorm’s study lounge.</p>
<p>I’m also afraid of awkward situations. Like, if I keep my wallet, credit cards, etc under a lock and key, then he/she might feel bad?</p>
<p>I mean, how do I create a balance between friendship and security here?</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Probably. Why don’t you just bring them with you when you leave? If you really need to lock them up when you’re in the room then you have major trust issues.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>why do you think they would steal your stuff? Do you walk down the street with a knife in your hand because you think someone might jump you?</p>
<p>Don’t ever ever study in your room. Do it in the library or a study lounge. You’ll thank me later, when you have free time because you spent your study time actually studying.</p>
<p>Yeah, take the advice of Cal Newport: study in the most deserted spot on campus.</p>
<p>You have to learn how to trust and get along with other people. It is perfect normal to keep your wallet in a safe place. If you forget to lock your door, someone other than your roommate could come in and take your stuff including your wallet.</p>
<p>How often do you leave your dorm room without your wallet? The only time I ever do is if I’m going running, and you can just slip it in a drawer or something if you feel the need.</p>
<p>You could go into a GSR, library, or a friend’s to study. If not, blare your own music or buy headphones. There is always a way to compromise.</p>
<p>On the issue of stolen items, keep a box in your room or desk. I would say that you should be able to trust your roommate, however.</p>