No. 8: Roommates don’t need to be best friends

It's no surprise that cohabitation can cause problems. People, no matter what age or gender, have different principles and preferences when it comes to cleanliness, sharing, and all the other issues you run into in a small space. And trust me- it's small.

As a senior, I've had my share of roommates.

I'm lucky enough that I've never had a major problem with any one of them, but we have had our moments.

Once I ate my roommate's chocolate shot glasses because I needed a sugar fix and didn't have change for the vending machine. But that's a story for another day.

You never really know someone until you live with them.

That's a sentence oft-repeated and frankly cliché, but it's true. So whether you're living with your best friend this semester or someone you've never met, take these hints to heart.

I promise, you're in good hands.

Be a little confrontational.

Before you dismiss this tip entirely, think of it this way: it's no secret that the average person tends to avoid confrontation, especially in an unfamiliar environment.

But in order to be maintain a happy, mutually beneficial relationship with a roommate, you have to ditch the passive-aggressive behavior and be honest and open with what's bothering you should a situation arise.

The issue: Let's say your roommate has a boyfriend who sleeps over. A lot.

He leaves his clothes everywhere, you have to bring your clothes to the bathroom just to get changed, and you feel your space has been invaded.

Instead of talking to everyone and their brother about how awful a roommate and person she is, you have to tell her that it's pissing you off.

Yes, she should know without you telling her that what she's doing is rude, but the fact is that she apparently doesn't, and no amount of whining is going to solve that.

Solution: Arrange an appropriate time to talk about the problem. Do not bring it up at a party, inspired by liquid courage.

Do not gab to your friend and ask her to mention it. Sit down and talk it out amongst yourselves in your room.

Use the residential "open door" policy.

Resident assistants and hall directors will frequently encourage you to keep your door propped open.

By frequently, I mean obnoxiously and at all hours, but seriously, it would be wise to listen- to to an extent.

If you're doing work or you're in a crappy mood, by all means, keep that door closed. But the open door policy can save you from a too exclusive, even parasitic relationship with a roommate.You'll get sick of each other if you don't put yourself out there.

And to be honest, you don't have to be best friends.

You don't even have to be friends.

Ever heard of people advertising for a roommate on CraigsList? You just can't be enemies.

To make friends, doing whatever it takes, and invite your roommate out with you and your new friends.

But don't be discouraged if you guys aren't Thelma and Louise.

Get help if you need it.

Sometimes, roommate discrepancies go beyond a missing shirt or a dusty floor.

In those cases, you should be familiar with the help that's readily available to you. Resident assistants and hall directors are prepped for their jobs with plenty of mediation strategies, and will be happy to sit down and talk with you and your roommate if you set up a meeting with them.

Be respectful and tell the story from beginning to end. If the problem calls for you and your roommate to be separated, your hall director will be able to help you arrange something with the housing department.

Remember, it's only a matter of time before your roommate conflicts will be in a whole different ballgame - they'll involve money.

Rent, utilities, landlord issues…the list is endless. Take advantage of the on-campus bliss while you can.