Tips for Living with Housemates
April 4, 2024
Tips for Living with Housemates
The handout linked above describes what we can do to be good housemates. The first page is a summary. The subsequent pages share more information for each tip.
Tips for Living with Housemates
Treat your housemates like you want to be treated.
Be kind.
Be willing to share at times.
Try to be quiet when your housemates are sleeping or need down time.
Notify others if you are leaving. Tell them when you will return.
You are only in control of your own actions and behaviors. It is NOT your job to police others.
Do NOT share your housemates’ personal information.
Follow the rules of the house.
Questions to discuss:
- What are the rules?
- Who sets the rules?
- Who enforces the rules?
- What happens if you do not follow the rules? What are the consequences?
Coordinate schedules.
Things to consider:
- Do you have to share a bathroom?
- Is there only 1 TV to watch?
- Time to prepare food in the kitchen?
- Quiet time if someone goes to bed early or wants to sleep in?
- When to do laundry?
Practice good time management!
Respect others’ things.
Ask permission before touching something that is not yours.
If you borrow something, return it in the condition you borrowed it in.
Be a good communicator.
Use your words/gestures to tell your housemates what you want or need. No one can read your mind!
Use kind words.
Be flexible.
You may not always get your way. You might need to be flexible with:
- Meals
- Community outings
- Watching TV shows
- Using the bathroom
- Morning and evening routines
Compromise.
You cannot always get what you want. Sometimes you need to meet in the middle.
This will help you be flexible.
Share your emotions effectively.
You may not always get along. That is ok!
It is normal to get frustrated with people you live with.
All feelings are ok, but not all behaviors are ok. We should not hurt ourselves or someone else when we have strong feelings.
Ask permission before touching someone else.
No one should touch you without your permission.
Talk to a trusted adult if someone touches you without your permission.
Knock on closed doors before entering. Wait for permission to enter.
A door that is closed means someone needs privacy.
Private body parts, behaviors, talk/thoughts, and places should stay private.
You may not be best friends with your housemates. That is ok!
You need to be friendly, even if you are not best friends.
Be responsible for your space and belongings.
Respect others’ space and belongings.
Resources
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