Living in a residence hall at the University of Massachusetts Boston is not something anyone in the past has ever been able to say they’ve done. This year, we are lucky enough to be the first people to have the opportunity to say so. That being said, this article is for the new “guinea pigs” of our school, those who get to experience this huge change first-hand. Here are some tips on adjusting to life in your new dorm, with your stranger roommate, and how to survive, even when you don’t think you can.
Be patient.
It would be overly optimistic to say you will never become annoyed with those with whom you co-habit your room. Your living space is smaller, your days begin and your nights end with someone who is brand-new to you, and inevitably, problems will arise. In order to tackle these issues, you must be willing to be patient. Your roommate is just as much of a human with just as many valid feelings as you. Think of their side when arguments arise, and be kind to one another, even if it isn’t the easiest thing you could do. They know where you live, remember.
Get involved. 
There is nothing worse than sitting in your room, bored, while all the fun is going on outside around you. The more people you meet, the more invitations you’ll receive to do different things you may have never thought of exploring before. Hey, sometimes it’s worth losing an extra couple hours of sleep just to make some memories and broaden your horizons.
Make your dorm your home.
Being homesick is yet another unfortunate thing that we just can’t avoid. But, becoming comfortable in your room, and creating a personal de-stress sanctuary for yourself for the tough days is vital. Bringing items from home that are little reminders of where you come from will help with your transition, making things feel a little easier.
Communication is key.
If you need some alone time, let your roommate know. There is no way they will be able to read your mind, and it’ll give them the impression that it’s totally okay to be open with each other when asking what the other may need. We all can use some peace and quiet in our own beds once in a while, and your roommate will know and understand this, probably feeling the same way, too! It’s always good to set up a communicative relationship so you’re able to discuss boundaries comfortably with your roommate. For example: your stance on their significant other, or any guest for that matter, spending the night, the amount of time and how often you would like to have friends over for, etc. Compromising is vital here because it’s important to remember that the room is just as much theirs as it is yours.
Take a deep breath. 
You’ll get frustrated with the amount of clashing personalities you’ll be coming into contact with, finding the balance between work and play, and overall adjusting to your new life. These are things we all face in college. This is a huge change for everyone, and we all deal with these things differently. Remember that the beginning of something new is always the hardest part.