I’m moving into my first off-campus apartment near campus in a few weeks with a completely random roommate. I looked her up on social media, and she seems like a total party animal who aesthetic-posts 24/7. Meanwhile, my idea of a wild Friday night is reading a thriller with a cup of loose-leaf tea. I’m terrified we’re going to clash the second we unpack. How do I survive the semester without hiding out in the library?
—Tea Over Tostitos
Dear Tea Over Tostitos,
Take a deep breath! Social media strikes again. Profiles are carefully curated highlight reels, not a reflection of someone’s 24/7 reality. That “party animal” might be just as nervous as you are, hiding behind a polished feed.
You don’t need to be identical twins to be excellent roommates. In fact, opposites often make the best cohabitants because you aren’t competing for the same social circles or closet real estate.
The August Move: Set up a low-key “Roommate Agreement” chat within the first 48 hours of moving in. Don’t make it an interrogation. Sit down together over coffee and establish clear, reasonable boundaries on three core topics:
- The Sleep Schedule: What time do overhead lights go off on weeknights?
- The Guest Policy: Are weekend guests okay? How much heads-up do you need before someone crashes on the couch?
- The Sharing Economy: Are groceries, clothes, and bathroom supplies shared or strictly separate?
Be respectful of her routine, and expect her to respect yours. You aren’t looking for a instant soulmate; you’re building a peaceful living space. If a great friendship grows from it, that’s a bonus!
Aunt Abby’s August Reset Checklist:
- The Subscription Audit: Before your fall budget kicks in, review your bank statement. Cancel any streaming services, apps, or trials you signed up for over the summer and forgot about.
- Digital Spring Cleaning: Clear out the clutter on your laptop and phone. Organize your desktop, back up photos, and set up your course/work folders for fall so you start day one with a clean slate.
- The Sleep Schedule Shift: Don’t wait until the night before classes or new work shifts start to adjust your sleep routine. Shift your bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night during the final two weeks of August to ease the shock to your system.
Got a question for Aunt Abby? Whether you’re dealing with first-apartment roommate friction, navigating textbook budgets, or balancing a part-time job with a full course load, Aunt Abby is here with grounded, practical advice. Email your questions to publisher@goodnewsfoundations.org.
Names will always be changed to protect your privacy!
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