When it comes to sharing a dorm room, there are a lot of things to consider before you move in with your new roommate. One of the most important things you can do is create a roommate agreement. This document can help you both understand what’s expected of each other and prevent any misunderstandings down the line.

Here are some things to consider as you draft your dorm roommate agreement:

1. Sleeping habits

Do you or your roommate need absolute silence to sleep? Do you prefer to sleep with the TV on? These are important things to discuss so you can both get the rest you need.

2. Cleaning responsibilities

Who will take charge of cleaning the room? Will you alternate responsibilities? It’s important to make sure that both people are pulling their weight when it comes to keeping the dorm room clean.

3. Sharing personal items

Are you comfortable sharing things like clothes or toiletries? If not, make sure to establish those boundaries from the start.

4. Guest policy

Will you allow guests in the room? If so, how many at a time? Make sure you both agree on the guest policy to avoid any awkward situations.

5. Quiet hours

Most dorms have set quiet hours, but it’s important to discuss and agree on what that means for your room. For example, maybe you both need to be up early for classes, so you agree to turn off the music and lights by a certain time.

Creating a roommate agreement may seem unnecessary or awkward, but it can go a long way in preventing conflicts down the line. By discussing expectations and boundaries from the start, you can both enjoy a happy and stress-free living situation.