Is this semester your first time having a roommate? Or did you forget how to live with people after being alone so long in quarantine? If so, here are 10 rules to step up your roommate game!

1. Always lock the door to your room! Safety first! Make sure to always lock the door any time you leave the room for any length of time. This rule is especially important if your roommate’s ID or key is in the room--you need to make sure their items are safe! This may result in the occasional (or frequent) locking out of your roommate, but it's definitely worth it for the security.
2. Don’t forget to tell them where you are going at all times. Whether going to Blenders, the beach, or the bathroom, it's essential that your roommate knows your whereabouts. In fact, you might as well share your location with them and leave your hourly schedule on their whiteboard. Again, safety first.
3. Vacuum daily. A clean room makes for happy roommates! Even if they are studying for their next midterm, they will thank you later for a clean floor. Although you’ll probably just track in sand again tomorrow…
4. That being said, a good roommate is never TOO clean. Leave a pair of jeans on the floor every once in a while, or even an unwashed mask. This will make your roommate feel more at home.
5. What’s mine is yours! When you have a roommate, it’s important to bond! So share everything. Snacks, clothes, toothbrushes, just share it all! Don’t bother asking--you all are basically siblings now: the more borrowing, the more bonding.
6. Wake them up with music. Your roommate isn’t a morning person? Wake them up with a great playlist! My roommate’s personal favorite is when I wake her up with some blasting showtunes. It always gets her up and going.
7. Encourage your roommate’s study habits by keeping the light on until 2 a.m. It’s important to keep your roommate accountable and on top of their studies! The later you stay up, the more studying they will do for that next Old Testament exam.
8. No need to tell your roommate when there’s an issue. Leave a sticky note! I’ve found that the best way to communicate with my roommate is leaving passive-aggressive notes on her stuff! For example, are you mad they stole your leftover Hana Kitchen? Put a note on their desk. Or better yet, just steal THEIR leftovers next time.
9. Everyone wants to be the life of the party, so bring the party to your roommate! Having a social life is key to college success. Encourage your roommate’s by always bringing over your friends, preferably in large groups! Surprise them while they’re studying with a movie night in your room. They definitely needed a break anyways.
10. Finally, make sure you know their Enneagram number. This one is essential to roomie success. If they are an eight, make sure to give them lots of opportunities for conflict. Got a two? Leave your trash can overflowing so that they have something to help you with!

Good luck!

[Editor’s note: Words of Warriors takes no responsibility for the consequences of following this advice!]