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Annoying roommate? Here's how to deal with them without making dorm life awkward

Sharing a space with a virtual stranger at university can be challenging, but with tips and advice from the pros, it doesn't have to stay that way

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Confronting your roommate may feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. Photo: Alamy

We hate to be the ones to tell you, but having a roommate sucks. 

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Sure, living with someone is an experience, a rite of passage, even. And who knows, you might end up liking your roomie enough to have a lifelong friendship – but that doesn’t mean you have to quietly suffer through their bad behaviour.

There’s nothing more irritating than coming home after a long day to find an extra body in your dorm or apartment, breathing your air and taking up physical space. Aside from just existing, your roommate probably has a habit (or 15) that you’re not particularly fond of. We’re talking leaving dishes in the sink, playing music too loudly and eating your food.

Learning to live with someone – and how to deal with the habits they bring with them – can be emotionally, physically and spiritually challenging, says Dr Angela Corbo, chair of the Communications Studies department at Widener University, in Pennsylvania, US.

Here are some tips on how to deal with your roommate’s annoying habits without making things awkward at home.

Assess the situation

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