So here’s the situation, I could be being completely unreasonable but I’m not certain.
I am pre-med and in a lot of science classes so I usually study a lot. Usually, I study in the library but today I came back to the room after studying and realized that I forgot to do something so I silently sat at my desk with my desk lamp on doing my homework. My roommate started freaking out and basically made me leave the room. At the beginning of the semester it seems that we were really good friends but as the semester has gone on it has become more and more hostile. I understand that the light could have been bothering him while he was sleeping and I usually am considerate of that fact so I study in the library but this one time I want to study in my room I get such a reaction. Please let me know what you think I should do. Thanks in advance!
You didn’t say what time it was. That makes a big difference. If your roommate was asleep then you probably should have stepped into your floor lounge to finish up your work.
A lot of people aren’t pleasant when woken on the middle of the night. A simple “Sorry I woke you up last night” would do. Your roommate may not even remember the incident if he went right back to sleep.
Not everyone is destined to be best friends with their roommate. Just keep things civil, continue to do your best to be considerate, and you should be fine.
What time was it? If it was 10pm, then no problem. If it was 3am, then problem.
Talk to you roommate…“You know I mostly study in the library. But Occasionally I may need to study in my room…as it is my room too. However, I understand that you want to sleep. Can I suggest that you get a eyemask and use a white noise app?”
If he keeps complaining, then talk to your RA about what is reasonable.
This happens with roommates a lot. Sometimes you grow closer and sometimes you do not. You both need to learn to deal with each others differences and find common ground. The best thing for both of you to do is to avoid being in the room if the other is asleep during regular sleeping times. As an adult you must weigh if being in your room with the light on is worth disturbing him if you can just go to the study lounge, hall lounge or the common areas. In this case it sounds like a one time deal. No big worry if you plan on studying other places going forward