College is right around the corner, and you're so excited! You got into the school of your choice, your best friend is going with you, and your new roommate sounds awesome -- or so you think. Even though most roommates manage to get along, here are a few stories that might make you think twice about trusting the innocent voice on the other end of the phone.

Amanda Johnson, University of Delaware (Newark, DE)
The problem: "I got no respect, it was like I wasn't in the room. I'd take a shower, come back, and have five people on my bed. She kept music on really late, didn't give me phone messages, made nasty comments about me, and ignored me."
What she did: According to Amanda, she tried going to her school's residential life department to get a room change, but was told they were overcrowded, so nothing could be done.
The end result: Amanda switched schools after one semester and is much happier now.
Her advice: "Try and talk to your roommate. Share your feelings and see if you can resolve it so the person doesn't walk all over you."

Lisa Mixon, Albright College (Reading, PA)
The problem: "She was a really nice girl, but she copied everything I did and wore, even how I ate. She was also really quiet."
What she did: Lisa didn't know what to do at the time. She has since learned her lesson and realized she should have gone to residential life for mediation.
< b>The end result: Lisa's roommate left school after one semester for unknown reasons. The two have not spoken since.
Her advice: Lisa, who now works at Harcum College (Bryn Mawr, PA), says "you shouldn't ignore the problem because it will get worse. Try getting a mutual friend to be impartial so you can talk it out. The problem may not be as bad as it seems."

Marcia Pacheco, Binghamton University (Binghamton, NY)
The problem:"She would let her alarm go off for hours, and purposely shut mine off when I'd complain. She also slammed closets while I was sleeping. The worst part was when I was out one night and came back to a messy bed. She explained - as if nothing happened - that a girl who lived on my floor used my bed."
What she did: Marcia tried to talk with her roommate and would leave notes on her desk, but was ignored. A week after the bed incident, they acted normal. But things were still not enjoyable.
The end result: Once they moved out, their relationship was fine. Today, they're still friends and hang out all the time ­- they just can't live together.
Her advice: "Confront your roommate in the nicest way possible. Sit him or her down instead of retaliating, because you are going to have to face the consequences of revenge while living with him or her."

Sound Off! Post Your Comments