How to Deal with Troublesome College Roomates

Learning how to deal with bad college roommates is no simple task. If you can't get yourself out of the lease and your daily life is proving to be a real chore, there are a few simple steps that can make your life with a bad roommate easier:

Step 1: Confront the problem

Let the person know you're unhappy. He may not be aware he's doing things that bug you.

Step 2: Get feedback

Ask him what you do that annoys him. This way, he won't feel he's being attacked.

Step 3: Negotiate

Negotiate. Tell him that if he stops blowing his nose in the dishtowels, you'll stop doing yoga in the nude.

Step 4: Set some rules

Decide on some house rules, like how loudly and when music can be played; how often friends can come over and/or sleep over; how clean the bathroom and kitchen should be, and how to handle offensive smells in those rooms.

Step 5: Alter your schedule

Adjust your schedule to minimize the time you're together. For example, make plans to go out on evenings he's planning to kick back at home.

Step 6: Kill him with kindness

Kill him... with kindness. Bring home the cookies he likes; offer to wash the dishes when you know he's running late; make him chicken soup when he's sick. If you change your attitude, he might do the same.

Step 7: Terminate the agreement

Still not getting along? Take steps to terminate the arrangement, whether that means speaking to a Residence Assistant about getting a new roommate, or asking your landlord if you can break your lease.

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