Whether you’re moving into a dorm room or off campus student apartments, one of the biggest changes a new college student has to face is living with someone new. This transition can be difficult, especially for those living with someone they’ve never met before. The good news is that the experience doesn’t have to be an unpleasant one. Though it may be awkward at first, with a little bit of effort, there’s plenty of potential for turning a new roommate into a good friend.
Utilize these tips from Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP, to quickly forge a friendship with your new roomie. Looking for student apartments near UF? Contact us today to schedule a tour of our properties!
The best way to befriend someone is to be friendly. Don’t waste those first few days locked away in your bedroom. Get out there and interact. Being approachable, striking up conversations, and spending those initial days hanging out with your roommate will serve to make a great first impression and help establish a comfortable relationship going forward. Before long, all the awkwardness of living with each other will dissipate, and you’ll have laid the foundation for a great friendship.
College often brings students to new and exciting locations, and after a big move, it’s always advantageous to become acquainted with the surrounding area. This creates a perfect opportunity for spending some quality time together. Get out and explore your new campus and city as roommates. Make a day out of finding the best shortcuts to class, top-rated local eateries, and coolest social spots.
Enjoying a meal together gives roommates a chance to chat, get to know each other, and show off their favorite meals. If possible, try to grab a bite to eat together at least once a week. Whether it’s at the university’s dining hall or a local restaurant, going out to eat together regularly will cement your relationship as one that exists even outside of the apartment walls, as friends rather than simply roommates. Of course, it might not always be possible to go out for food on a budget. In those cases, cooking a delicious dinner together at home is a great alternative.
Games have a magical way of bringing people together, whether through team building or some friendly competition. Hosting a game night with your roommate is a surefire way to build a strong bond. Either buy a multiplayer video game to beat together or pick out an interesting board game and invite others to join in the festivities. Not a fan of games? That’s alright — host a movie night instead. The goal here is simply to discover something you both find fun and make time to enjoy that activity together.
Anytime you happen to be invited to an on campus event, party, or even a simple hang out, invite your roommate along! Friends invite friends to fun things, so asking your roommate to tag along to events will solidify your relationship as friends. Similarly, anytime that you happen to be invited out by them, accept the invitation. Accepting the invite will show them that you’ve grown comfortable with their company, and even look forward to spending time together. Not to mention, accepting their invitations is a great way to meet even more people and broaden your social network.