Roommates Chronicles: A Test of Boundaries, Friendship And Maturity

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By Otobo Prevail

You’ve transitioned from being excited about being admitted into the school of your dreams to moving into your own space, you've been allocated to the hall that leads while others follow, the almighty and renowned Queens Hall, no excitement could beat yours! You moved in and that was when you had an epiphany, it wasn't so much of YOUR space, you had roommates, somewhere between five to seven of them, but that didn't dim your enthusiasm, perhaps it didn't occur to you that was going to lead to a clash of contrasting personalities.

Although living with people can be a blessing, it can also be challenging, it requires patience, tolerance and understanding for a group of people to live together in unison and harmony. But let's be honest, living with entirely different people is absurd! I mean people you have no prior relationship or connection with, of course, it isn’t always going to be easy, you are not even good with talking with strangers and now you have to live with them?-I know, right…Now you have to deal with every one of their silly habits, which can pile up  and become  annoying over time, imagine living with somebody who has a habit of dropping dirt on the floor and then, there's you who can't stand even the tiniest speck of dust on the floor, that's a clash of personality morphing already.

Let’s look into some pet peeves that most hostel girls know too well;

-Bad bathroom habits 

-Loud music or phone calls(mostly at times when you need to focus)

-Stacked dirty plates and laundry(makes your room smell and look like a dumpsite)

-Bad hygiene

-Uninvited guests (makes the room look like a marketplace and tampers with privacy)

-Uses your stuff without asking for permission.

The list goes on.

 If you ever find yourself stuck with a roommate or roommates that exhibit any of this, how do you go about it? 

First, you need to understand that different people have different behaviours and habits, which doesn't make them any less of a human being. Be open-minded to accommodate and correct others gently with love and respect, with an emphasis on RESPECT.

As individuals, we often focus on the flaws and shortcomings of others, forgetting that we are also human and imperfect. It's important to be humble and intentional enough to recognize the habits you may have that could be inhibiting the smooth relationships you’re meant to have with your housemates. Simply acknowledging these habits may not be enough; it's essential to actively work on them too.

On a brighter note, one of the blessings of living in a female hostel is the opportunity for personal growth. Living with others allows you to discover more about yourself and can help you develop better habits and behaviours, if you’re willing to put in the effort. Many people experience significant growth from these shared living situations. Also, it is during these experiences that the strongest and healthiest relationships and sisterhood are built, some people even go as far as going from being mere roommates to being sisters or besties. In as much as this experience may not always be a vibe, do not let it rob you of the amazing experience and friendship you could have had. Learn how to set distinct boundaries, and speak up respectfully when you're not comfortable with an act, silent treatment and trying hard to swallow up things that displease you do not ensure harmony.

When it comes to living in a dormitory, there’s so much potential for memorable experiences, embrace each moment and make the most of the unique experiences and connections that come your way. Remember, those days are transient, so live in and enjoy every exciting twist and turn while it lasts! Cheers to healthy relationships and boundaries!