Friends, Not Roommates

A few people have told me that it is not always the wisest idea to dorm with your friends, despite how close you two may be. I understand why, seeing how as friends, both people are willing to allow things to slide, and may feel inclined to tolerate or keep quiet about habits that might make each other feel uncomfortable. Often we jump into sharing living spaces with our friends because we feel at ease around them, but sometimes we leap too quickly and forget to discuss each others living habits.

Since I've been dorming in Stony Brook University, I've always counted my blessings to have lived with clean, tidy, and respectful roommates. It's my second year at Stony Brook and I've opted for a random roommate, seeing as how I could not pull a friend of mine into the building. While I had my doubts at first, seeing as I'm rather particular with the cleanliness of my living space, they were quickly eased once I met my roommate.

However, she's moved out during the Spring semester to West Apartments, and it's opted one of my friends to consider moving into the currently unoccupied space in my room. She's been having trouble with her previous roommate and needed to move out -- quick. But, while we make great friends, I'm not sure if we'd make good roommates. I've already put careful consideration into her living habits, and I believe that we may have a clash.

From what I observed from her previous living arrangements, no, she's not a total slob. She doesn't leave food sitting around everywhere until it stinks up the room, or "misses" a shower or two until her body odor stinks up the place. However, she does have a little problem with hoarding things that she may not need, which becomes a build up of clutter. Often she leaves her belongings lounging around the room and whatever empty space is available -- the floor, her chair (to the point where it is unusable), the desk (also rendering it useless), well you get the point. Jokingly, I would tease her about her messy living situation and how I would be unable to live with her. Yet it hasn't been until now that the reality of us rooming together may come true.

I voiced my opinion about her move-in consideration aloud, to let her know that I would be an (for lack a better word) anal roommate and if she moved in that I would expect her to keep her side of the room clean. I understand that once in a while, when we're in a rush out the door, we start leaving clothes and things all over the place and may not have time to put everything away. But, if the problem continues to persist, then we have a dilemma on our hands. Hopefully, she understands and will help to maintain a comfortable living space for the both of us.