Cohabitation 101: Essential Tips for Living with Roommates Off Campus
Congratulations! You've traded the communal chaos of the dorms for the freedom (and responsibility) of your own apartment. Sharing a fridge is about to become a whole new adventure. Welcome to the world of cohabitation! Prepare to share your space with a fellow student – someone you might be meeting for the first time.
Fear not! We here at Ferris Place Rentals would love to offer some guidance if you’re new to sharing a space with new housemates. To help you steer clear of roommate rocks (and dodge dish duty drama!), we've compiled a survival guide for turning your new home into a haven of harmony:
Communication is Key (and Doesn't Bite!)
Living with someone new is like starting a band: open communication sets the rhythm for a smooth coexistence. This includes things like shower schedules (morning lark or night owl?), cleaning and house maintenance expectations (whose turn is it to take out the trash?), and any other shared responsibilities.
Draft a "Roommate Rhapsody" (a.k.a. House Rules)
Once you've had a getting-to-know you conversation, consider putting your agreements in writing. This can be as simple as a shared document or a colorful chart – whatever keeps things clear and concise. Consider including:
Chore Division: Outline a clear division of chores. This could be a weekly schedule for taking out the trash, or a breakdown of who handles specific areas like the kitchen or bathrooms.
Noise Control: Set some ground rules for volume and headphone usage.
Guest Guidelines: Open door policy or RSVP required?
Respect the Space (and the Snacks)
Your roommate's room is their sanctuary. Knock before entering, and avoid borrowing belongings without permission. Speaking of borrowing, that half-gallon of your roommate's favorite almond milk isn't magically self-replenishing.
Be a Tidy Teammate (Not a Solo Slob)
Living with roommates means sharing the responsibility of keeping your space spick and span. Here's how to avoid a messy situation that might require a deep clean at the end of your lease, potentially taking a chunk out of your security deposit:
Divide and Conquer: Create a cleaning schedule or chore rotation. This could be a weekly or bi-weekly chart that assigns tasks like taking out the trash, wiping down counters, and vacuuming. There are even handy cleaning apps you can use to split chores and track who's done what.
Bathroom Blitz: Bathrooms are breeding grounds for bacteria and frustration. Discuss how often the toilet will be disinfected, the shower scrubbed, and the mirror wiped down. Maybe alternate weeks for deep cleaning duties.Pro tip: invest in a mildew-fighting bathroom cleaner to keep things sparkling and fresh. Here's the key: regular cleaning is key to preventing mold and mildew growth in the first place. Aim to wipe down shower doors and squeegee after every use to prevent moisture build-up.
Common Ground Cleanup: Living areas like the kitchen and lounge are shared battlegrounds for mess and clutter. Here's where teamwork shines! Make sure you do your dishes promptly after using them – don't let them pile up in the sink. Similarly, tidy up after you hang out in the lounges. Put away magazines, straighten up pillows, and generally avoid leaving your relaxation station looking like a hurricane hit!
Trash & Recycling: you’ll want to establish a clear schedule for trash and recycling. Since trash pickup happens every Tuesday and recycling occurs every other Tuesday, decide who's responsible for placing the bins at the curb the night before pickup and bringing the bins back to their storage location after pickup to avoid fines from the City of Ithaca. For more details, refer to the Trash Guidelines provided with your lease documents.
Clean Living Made Easy: Short on time or cleaning stamina? If you and your roommates both agree, consider hiring a professional cleaning service regularly. This can take the pressure off and ensure a deep clean for your shared space. Discuss your budget and cleaning needs to find a service that fits the bill.
By following these tips, you can keep your apartment clean and avoid any surprise deductions from your security deposit at the end of your lease. Remember, a clean apartment is not only a happy and healthy place to live, but it can also save you money in the long run!
Embrace the Unexpected (But Address Issues ASAP)
Sometimes, even the best-laid plans go awry. Maybe your roommate's a social butterfly whose constant guests disrupt your study sessions. The key? Address the issue calmly and directly.
Remember, Respect the Roost
College life is busy, but aim for a positive connection with your roommates. All of you might have your own social circles and study sessions, but sometimes you might cross paths in your apartment. Keep it friendly, communicate openly, and you'll be co-existing champions!
