Avoiding the roommate clutter clash: how to survive a double/triple

With all of the different dates to remember and all of the people to say goodbye to, one of the last things on your mind may be what will be in your new dorm room aside from a bed a desk and your own tired self. I was lucky enough to live in a triple my freshman year (by request, believe it or not) and I know a few things that can make life in a double or triple flow well from day one. First of all, you need to think about what you're going to need and what you're going to want. PACK LIGHT, it will make a world of difference. there are so many places on campus to pick up little things you need that you can honestly get away with bringing nothing but clothes and hygiene products (really....really do bring the hygiene products, or all this advice will be of little consequence). Here's what you may need:

*sheets and bedding for a twin long mattress
*clip on reading light for the top bunks
*mini fridge
*laptop lock
*laundry bag
*shower basket and shower sandals
*headphones for your laptop (please)

Now, if you are living in the double or triple, contact your roommates and find out what they do and do not want. If your other 2 roommates don't want a mini fridge...don't get it. Don't start the year out with unnecessary hostility due you. A good life lesson in college, if you didn't get it from living with siblings, is how to live with people from any different background.

Another good reason to contact your roommates is to see if they are going to be furnishing your place with a fridge already. That means that you just saved $150! There really isnt much room in a triple for more than 3 people and the beds and desks that are in there. Live light, it's a good start for the whole "remove the clutter from your life and the clutter from your mind will follow".

triples are fun. don't dread them, but go in with the knowledge that you cannot live the way you lived at home. you have 2 other people to consider. be considerate, be kind, and don't be vindictive. If a roommate is a pain, don't "get even". it just means that you might wake up with a broken laptop in the morning (true story). Talk to your RA, but only AFTER you talk to your roommate, they may not know that they are bothering you.

-C. Christie