Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

In this advice blog, Wairimū Masiga, a Master’s student in Psychology at UL, she offers her advice on ‘How to Survive the Roommate Life’.

So, you’ve left your cosy home, hopped on a plane, train or spaceship and you’ve arrived at the University of Limerick. That’s when you remember that you agreed to live in an apartment full of people you’ve never met, in a place you’ve never been, and your eyes go wide.

This was me, sliding my key into the slot and realising that I was about to enter a flat where I’d be living with five new human beings. I hesitated. I’d been here before. I’d lived in boarding school, I’d done my undergrad in a rotation of dormitories, and shared rooms and flats with my friends. You could say I was a seasoned roomie. You soon come to realise that every experience is new and different. And new things are always a little scary at first.

As someone who loves meeting people from different cultural backgrounds, I was delighted to find out that we were a motley crew, none of us from the same country, so diverse we would be the beginning of one of those “walked into a bar” jokes. A Bahraini, a Ugandan, a French, a Kenyan, an Irish and an American (who was later replaced by a Greek Swede without us noticing, did I mention the spaceship?) walk into a flat…etc. My point is we were coming from different cultures, with varied habits and outlooks on life. I realised I’d have to be ready for anything.

After nine months in the trenches, I can report that it’s been an enlightening experience and what I’ve learned I have the good graces to share with you. So here it goes: how do you get along with your roommates?

Communicate

This seems like a no-brainer but the fact that you both speak the same language doesn’t mean the message is coming across. Be open and honest right off the bat. Now, I’m not saying you tell them all about the barbie collection you decided to pack for sentimental reasons (unless you want to, no judgement), but there’s certain expectations, responsibilities that need discussing when you move in together. To avoid misunderstandings or conflicts that may come up later, communicate. And if they do, communicate. Keep calm, be open. Be understanding.

Be Considerate and Respectful

Whether you’re living in an ensuite or not, you’re sharing those big spaces. A lot of the time, my roommates and I found ourselves in the kitchen dancing the cha-cha around each other. I’ve heard it said too, that I serenade people at the top of my lungs at all hours of the day. It’s likely that you’ll also be juggling different schedules with some of you needing to be up by seven in the morning and others, sleeping at six in the morning. You’ll also want to invite a little guest or two to have a good time. Being mindful of each other is essential. Tell your roomies you’re inviting someone over. Keep your noise level to a minimum (this is a reminder to me not to do concert level vocals). Wear some noise-cancelling headphones to listen to your music. Respect and be considerate of each other.

Divide Responsibilities Fairly

Gratefully, the University of Limerick on-campus accommodation service is nice enough to provide the most essential things for your flat, e.g., a vacuum, a mop, cutlery, duvet and pillow etc. But sadly, no helpful, mysterious elves are going to show up (still hoping) to help you keep the place clean. It’s your shared duty with your roommates. It may be difficult to come up with a system that works for everyone, but it’s important to try. Remember what I said about communication. Make sure expectations are clear and if someone isn’t holding up their end of the bargain, call for that alien ship again… or talk and come up with a solution together.

Be Willing to Compromise

Everybody likes a win, but we don’t always get it. For example, I want the Irish weather to decide if it’s still doing the winter thing or if we can land sweetly into spring, but it’s being moody. Due to the different cultural backgrounds, and the habits, you won’t always be on the same page with your roommates. It’s nice to find that midpoint and work on those solutions.

Even though I didn’t know how this would go, having this group in my life has been great. We got to do a cultural night, ate food from around the world and I can say that I’ve made life-long friends (an Australian wedding was mentioned). I hope that you have the same experience on your journey.