<p>Posting this in hopes that it may save someone the time, emotional stress and money we have expended in a “less than ideal” roommate situation this year!</p>
<p> Don’t feel pressured to commit! Landlords routinely try to get students to commit to housing in early October for the NEXT year – weigh your options (locations, roommates, cost) before you/your parents sign.
Shop around and ask questions – who is the landlord? Talk to the current tenants.
How well do you know your future roommate(s)? Did you just meet this person at rush or know him/her on a casual basis? Does this person(s) share your values for academics and socializing? Do you KNOW? If not, watch Out!
Parents, when signing a lease, get the names, phone #'s and emails for the parents of every roommate. You never know when you will need to get in touch with one (and if the reason you are contacting them is a “touchy” situation, getting a phone # can be difficult, if not impossible)
More roommates does not equal a “better” situation. More is not better and 5 is definitely too many.
Your house/apartment doesn’t have to serve as the social center piece for every occasion - share the wealth (you’ll be glad you did!)
Admit when you have damaged something. Don’t try to cover it up- the truth will always come out.
Don’t borrow clothing or items without asking - ever. Return what you do borrow.
Treat each other with kindness and respect- always remember the “golden rule”.
Figure out “who will do what” before you move it – this includes taking out the garbage and cleaning the common areas. The cockroaches (of which there are millions in Alabama) will find somewhere else to live and the ants will head to better alternatives.</p>