You never know someone until you have lived with that person. How true is this statement? From afar people may seem perfect but it is only when you live with them that you begin to notice peculiar habits and behaviours that may not go down so well with you. Living with people can sometimes be challenging and may ruin your whole hostel experience so we put together some simple and practical tips to help you enjoy your stay with your roommates.
Communication
You just can’t live with people and not communicate. Humans like to interact, however effective communication is a skill which must be learnt. Simply inform your roommates of anything which involves them or not. Don’t put your favourite biscuit in the shared fridge and get angry when a roommate takes a bite. Communicate with them and let them know that you have some delicious biscuit in the fridge so all contenders should end their quest for a bite.
Tolerance
We all come from different backgrounds and as such do things differently. People aren’t always comfortable with change and so may take it the wrong way. Both parties must have mutual understanding and respect for each other in order to tolerate and later get to enjoy each other’s company. Make it a point to understand your roommates and don’t be quick to judge but rather help each other out.
Show Some Love
Love is the greatest force in the universe and can never be denied. Love is caring and being there for your friends not because they are nice to you but just because you love them. True love has no strings attached.
Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. Love is eternal… 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Show love to your roommate even if they wronged you. Don’t let your love just be in words by let it be felt through your actions. Help your roommate iron his clothes when he’s late to class. Take the trash out even if it isn’t your turn to do so. Little acts like that can go a long way to building strong and healthy relationships.
Hang out more
We tend to really grow closer to the people we spend more time with. Pick a night out with your roommates and have a drink, laugh about stuff, watch a football match, select your next hostel together or attend a concert together. Spend time together as a group outside of the room. It makes a whole lot of difference and you never know where you might meet again, it’s a small world out there. In conclusion, make it a point to dwell together in brotherly love.