DO: Be friendly and get to know one another. You have to live with each other for a year, it only makes sense to get to know that person. Trust me when I say that it will be awkward if you do not take the time to get on good terms with the person/people you live with. Take the time to learn about each other’s lives – where he or she grew up, whether or not they come from a big family and what some things that make them go insane are. Not to mention this is college, you are going to want to party. If your roommate throws a party, you want to be invited right? Or if they are going to a party, you would want to know about it so you could potentially make an appearance. Well, that means you have to put in the time to get on that level with that person. There are a lot of reasons why you should get to know your roommate, so just choose one and do it.
DON’T: Use each other’s stuff. It is one thing to borrow utensils and the likes, but do not expect that you are entitled to use your roommates belongings just because you live with one another. That may fly with you and your siblings, but only because you would get into major trouble with your parents if you killed your sibling. When you enter the real world, the one where your mom and dad are not there to hold your hand, it is a whole different ballpark. You are not allowed to everything just because you share a bathroom or kitchen. Learn to use your words children, ask to borrow. Life will become much easier if you do.
DO: Be a Good Samaritan. I do not mean be a kiss ass, but just be nice. If you are going to the store to pick up a few things you need for the upcoming week, ask your roommate if they need to go as well. Making coffee in the morning before class? Make an extra cup for your roommate, too. Maybe even write a note to them before you leave the house telling them to have a good day? People always say that it is the thought that counts, so be thoughtful. It does not have to be some extravagant gesture, but simply something small that shows you care about them one human being to another. Random acts of kindness go a long way.