According to junior Cassie Robertson, the keys to living harmoniously with roommates are communication and compromise. Here's what she had to say when asked, "What advice would you give to other students on roommates?"
"I lived in a triple, which meant I had two roommates. Living with people is difficult – everyone is wierd and when you live with someone, you get very acquainted with all of their wierdness. The best is to set standards, and let your roommates know your expectations from the start. Do you need quiet after midnight?
Ask your roommates to honor your request before it becomes an issue. Good communication is really important. Work out problems right away so you can clear the air and move on. You also have to be understanding.
"Know that everyone will have habits that you find bizarre, and that sometimes, you just have to laugh and accept that living with someone entails constant compromise. Don’t expect to be best friends with your roommate, but work to be friendly with them."
Cassie Robertson is a Junior at Cornell University. Michelle Schira Hagerman was her high school French teacher.