Most college students will have a roommate at some point. For people entering NC State this year, this may be your first time ever having a roommate. Whether it was a random assignment or your best friend from high school, here are some tips to help you succeed at sharing a living space.

First, invite people over all the time. Everyone loves to make new friends in college. There are so many social events and chances to meet new people, and inviting those you meet over will help your roommate make friends too. Bringing them over at night is the best time because no one will be in classes. Make sure you don’t tell your roommate beforehand or they might get shy and leave before you get there.

Second, you should always play any kind of media as loudly as possible. Investing in a good pair of headphones is a mistake. Playing television or music out loud helps you bond with your new roomie. Make sure you play it loud enough so they can hear it even when they are trying to study or sleep — you never know when the perfect song will come on.

You should also never make an effort to clean. If you keep everything neat and tidy, your roommate might never get the chance to help you. Additionally, keeping the room a bit messy brings character to the place. Your roommate will appreciate having the opportunity to clean up your things so they can get to know you.

On the note of having people over late at night, make sure you yourself are also always returning to the dorm or apartment late at night. Sometimes sleeping with someone else in the room can be hard. Try to stay out late and come back in the early morning after they have already fallen asleep. Sneak back in and climb the rickety ladder to your bed well into the night.

Another underrated roommate tip is borrowing things without asking. Forgot to pack something? Just borrow theirs. They only left it out so it would be available to you anyways. Investigate their belongings and learn their shampoo scent and dig through their drawers. You may find something interesting to bring up later and have a conversation about. They will be so happy you cared to notice.

In all seriousness, living with someone new is a challenge. While these tips are meant to poke fun at bad roommates, it is important to discuss with your roommate the expectations you have for living together. Share your quirks and lifestyle and listen carefully to theirs and try to compromise where you can. Establishing boundaries and norms will help you live in harmony.

If you are having problems with a roommate, consider talking to them or your RA about it. NC State housing can be reached at housing@ncsu.edu or 919-515-2440.