Sharing a living space often means having easy access to each other's food. A common issue among roommates is one roommate eating the other's food. Division of property is difficult in common areas with limited space, but this issue can be overcome with a straightforward discussion. Label your food with your name and work with your roommate to designate specific cabinets and shelves in the refrigerator where each of you can store your food separately.
Roommates seldom have the same schedules, so accommodating different schedules can be difficult to handle without proper communication. Sit down with your roommate right away and discuss your class schedules, sleeping habits and study habits. Discuss your expectations and be willing to compromise to accommodate everyone's schedule when cooking, studying or entertaining. As the semester goes on, be sure to make reasonable adjustments to allow for necessary changes in schedules.
Unless you are moving in with your best friend, you might be paired with someone who has different social habits than you. Establish a set visiting policy and designate study nights. Consult your roommate before inviting guests over, and ask your guests to respect your roommate's space and belongings. Be ready to take your social gathering elsewhere if the volume or time of the visit is beyond what you and your roommate agreed upon.
Messy living habits are a common roommate issue. When roommates live in a small space, things can get messy quickly. Be aware of your own habits and careful to clean up after yourself. Sit down early on and establish policies regarding chores such as dishes, vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom. If issues arise with other cleaning duties, address the problems immediately to find a quick compromise and avoid further issues.