By: Kerri Musick

No matter how likable you are, there is ALWAYS going to be someone out there whose personality just doesn’t mesh well with yours. You like basketball, they like basket weaving. You’re an environmentalist, they’re a lumberjack. You use Google, they use Yahoo.

Nine out of 10 times, that person will end up being your roommate. Heed my warning! I beg you to learn from my mistakes to make your residence hall life Facebook worthy.

Set boundaries: There’s no need for written contracts, but don’t leave shades of gray either. If you don’t like their significant other being over every weekend, eating your box of Lucky Charms and using your razor, tell them! It’s easier to set those limits earlier rather than later.

Be inclusive: You may be as well-suited for each other as Kim Kadashian and Kris Humphries, but inviting them to Depot Town can break the ice.

Don’t get mad (or even). Instead, COMMUNICATE: Passive-aggressive notes can be funny, as can superglue in their shampoo, but only when it’s not directed at you. Seriously, man up and talk to them. If you think you’ll hurt their feelings, waiting longer will only intensify it. If you don’t like the person to begin with, who cares?

Resident Advisors: If all else fails, the university hires Resident Advisors to help you work out problems, or potentially move to a different room.

Don’t spend “the best years of your life” walking on eggshells. Be proactive to get the most out of your EMU experience!