Should Guys and Girls Live Together in College?

By Ian Acosta on February 10, 2017

It is time to start looking for roommates for next year. You have made a short list of who you think could be potential roommates; however, they are all guys. Before you know it, everyone you were thinking of asking has made living arrangements that do not include you.

What now?

You hear your friend Kayla is in the same situation. All of her friends decided to get apartments without her and she is without a roommate to live with. You both decide it couldn’t hurt to check out a two-bedroom apartment that is modestly cheap. Before you know it, you both sign your names to an apartment lease and just like that, you two are roommates.

Battling the common stigma, you two move in together and prepare for the year ahead. What are some things to be wary of as you live with a member of the opposite sex? Here are a few things to look out for.

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Parents

Parents would play a big part in just setting up the initial arrangement of a guy and girl living together. From getting initial approval to facilitating a working arrangement between the girl and guy living together, it would be no small task indeed. From then on, you could possibly have to deal with overbearing parents from both parties. Parents are generally overprotective of their kids to a fault and this situation would most likely only increase that overbearingness.

What would be the best way to overcome this? Be in contact with your parents every two or so weeks just to check-in and update them on the situation. You know they would do it anyway, but by taking the initiative it shows maturity and will build a sense of trust. Not only that, it will get them off of your back more than likely. Don’t give them anything to ask questions about and you will have nothing to fear from your parents.

Bathroom Time

A common problem among roommates across the land, the time allotted in the bathroom to each roommate is a delicate balance that must be struck with peace and compromise. However, with two members of the opposite sex, this could get a bit tricky at times. In general, guys tend to take less time in the bathroom whereas girls put a little more time into their look.

If one or the other happens to be in the bathroom in the morning when the other is in need to get ready, it could cause a major headache. Talk out class schedules earlier in the week to plan out the proper time for each to get ready and head out the door.

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Friends

If you’re a guy who likes to bring a lot of guys around the apartment, which is fine, be sure to keep in mind how your roommate will receive all of the company. The last thing you want to do is create an intimidating or awkward situation between the two of you simply because of who comes over. For those with laid back roommates, this most likely will not be too much of a problem.

A problem that could arise is from your significant other. If they are uncomfortable with your current living situation, this could create unnecessary friction between you and your partner as well as you and your roommate.

Counseling

A positive from living with a roommate of the opposite sex is the dynamic that comes from having a friend of the opposite sex and the insight that comes with it. For example, many friends of mine said that the opinions they get from the opposite sex are often the best. Many times, it pays to have a friend, including a roommate, to provide an opinion of a different view regarding such aspects as relationships, friendships, and just advice is general.

For myself included, I have always valued perspective from my girlfriends just as much and in some cases more than my guy friends. Personally, I have found them to have a more comforting and open perspective on a lot of topics and ideas compared to my guy friends. It is much more convenient when you have a roommate to provide advice as well.

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Decorations/Style

Here, there could be some conflicts of interest. While there could be some arguments that could develop based on the layout of the living space as well as decoration, style, touches, etc., it is best to just come to some sort of compromise. Find a color you both have a common taste for and build around it. A fight over the placement of a couch or the color of a rug sounds pretty silly, wouldn’t you say? Take a day to go shopping to buy decorations and the like to make the space truly your own while keeping it something you both can enjoy.

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