Discuss and clarify your expectations about:

• Cleaning (You may want to choose one Saturday morning a month to do heavy-duty cleaning together.)
• Overnight guests
• Sharing food
• Cooking
• Using heat and air conditioning
• Use of washer and dryer
• Paying bills (Make certain that roommates pay all bills before they move.)
• Cleaning early and thorough enough to get back your cleaning deposit (Take pictures when you move in.)
• Borrowing clothes, computer, etc.
• Noise, partying, alcohol and drugs
• Privacy
• Quiet time (for example, during the week no loud music after 9:00)
• Phone messages (Write them down.)
• Phone calls late at night
• Visitors late at night

Other tips:

• Keep your apartment and car doors locked at all times!!!
• Clean up after yourself.
• Don't hog the bathroom.
• Keep your stuff in your room.
• Shop together for joint items (toilet paper, cleanser, etc.).
• Have shelves with your own food on them.
• Don't bring home people you don't know well.
• Have a joint dinner at least once a month to air concerns (don't let resentments build).
• Express concerns in a calm, direct, and clear manner. Don't yell, use sarcasm, or write nasty notes.
• Don't discuss issues when you're angry or tired. Sleep on it.
• Apologize when you're wrong.
• Forgive each other and don't hold grudges. Focus on the good in others and not their shortcomings.
• Be respectful, thoughtful, and tolerant.
• Don't borrow clothes, CDs, or computers.
• Return what you borrow in good condition or replace if damaged.
• Don't enter each other's room without knocking.
• Don't ask roommates to be your memory system. Set your own alarm, etc.
• Hang up your keys in the same place and get organized.
• Support each other. Don't interrupt when you know your roommate has a paper due.
• If you do have a pet, take responsibility for it!
• Don't give advice (boyfriend, school, dress) unless it's asked for.
• Build in time to get to know and enjoy each other (exercise, walking, cooking together).
• Develop a good sense of humor! Don't take yourself too seriously.
• Learn to live in the present, focus on your blessings and appreciate every day.