Moving in with a stranger seems about as pleasant as waking up for 8 a.m. classes, but six seasoned Wofford students have the advice you need to hear. The first year is brimming with new experiences, from exciting extracurricular opportunities to balancing the rigor of college curriculum. The last thing any student should be worrying about is a problem going on in their dorm room. So how does one master the art of roommate-ship?

While most consider going potluck a sure way to land the worst living situation imaginable, juniors Lauren Cabe and Emma Cummings would have to disagree. They have been roommates since their freshman year when they were randomly assigned by the college.

Cabe shares her very basic theory on roommate etiquette: “Kindergarten rules apply: share, be respectful, and clean up your messes.” As all Wofford students know, freshman housing is not the most spacious. Respect and consideration for each other’s space will go a long way in maintaining the peace of a dorm room. But life happens, and not every day is going to go perfectly. Inevitably, there are going to be issues that roommates will need to talk about. And talking is exactly what must happen. Cummings says, “Don’t let a small problem sit and become a big problem. Get things out in the open, be good at communication.” A simple conversation can save you from an ugly argument down the road, so be open to addressing problems in a respectful way.

Chris Chase and roommate John Lamm have a unique story. They were close friends in elementary school, but lost touch after. Upon discovering they were both going to Wofford, they rekindled the friendship and decided to room together. Going into their second year as roommates, they have a different perspective on the importance of communication. Lamm says, “We respect each other because we trust each other.” Chase elaborates, “By being good at communication we have enabled a good environment in our room. You can’t live with someone you can’t trust, so be open and honest.” The willingness to address issues and work through them not only helps keep the peace, but also establishes a standard of trustworthiness.

Once you learn how to get along with your roommate, don’t be surprised if a friendship blossoms. A roommate and a friend can be two of a kind. Emily Bacher and Mariel Melendez are seniors going on their fourth year living together. They both played soccer for the same high school, but were not friends until rooming together their freshman year. Living with a friend, new or old, can be tricky. Spending a large amount of time together may suffocate the friendship. Regarding this issue, Bacher says, “We are involved in different things, so we aren’t together all the time.” Melendez says, “It’s okay to be doing different things, even if you are both in the room together.” After four years, these girls have learned how to balance friend with roommate. Bacher advises, “It really is like a dating relationship. You have to put time into maintaining it.” Melendez follows with, “Hanging out off campus is a good idea too, so you don’t feel like you have to be at school to be friends.”

Take the advice of the older and wiser! Your living situation does not have to be your greatest point of anxiety during your first year of college. Mutual communication and consideration from the beginning will pave the road to a successful first year as a resident of Wofford College.