A recent study conducted at the University of North Carolina reported that most students ranked not getting enough sleep as their number one factor in determining their level of stress, followed by problems with roommates. Of course, sleep-related issues can also be caused by disturbances with roommates, and, certainly, having bad roommate relations can affect one’s academic performance, among other things.
If you are one who struggles with your academics in part because your roommate is an annoying variable in your life, I’d like to offer a few simple recommendations to help:
Let it be known early on that your academics are important to you and attempt to set up “study hours” in the apartment whereby there is no TV, visitors or other distractions caused by a selfish roommate. A roommate agreement may help establish guidelines without alienating anyone.
Use the time in between classes or on your way home from class to study and work on assignments so you avoid being affected by whatever is going on in your apartment or dorm. Make a quick 60-90 minute trip in a coffee shop or library, and see if you can get as much done as possible before returning home.
It may take a little adjustment time, but, by forcing yourself to study in the library or outside of your apartment, you should eventually be able to create a new habit that can make you as productive somewhere else as you would be at home.
If all else fails and your roommate relationship continues to impact your academic functioning, then act like a general manager of a sports team - trade away your roommate. Throw in next year’s draft pic if you need more leverage! Life’s a negotiation. Believe it or not, I have seen students change through “trades,” or leave on their own and shack up with a solo whose roommate may have flunked out two weeks ago. Get creative if the misery is too much.
I hope these tips can help you overcome the impact of roommate stress on your academics. Let me know if you find success.
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