As many first time college students are now, no doubt, contemplating. Having housemates is a funny thing.
They’re undeniably part of your life and you theirs for better for worse for richer or poorer all thrown together by fate, circumstance or these days finances. Your house becomes a model UN when joint decisions need to be made. Debating point and counter point and the eventual democratic voting process can be annoying but nonetheless necessary. Over time some can become close friends and the relationship with others can be somewhat acrimonious however something I’ve noticed recently is that the relationship between housemates is like that of siblings, you might get on each others nerves but you are always there for them when really needed.
All this comes to mind now because we have one of the guys in my house leaving and a new housemate coming in. I’m sure getting to know a new housemate is going to be a daunting process, I can safely say from experience that eight months ago when I was in his position it was for me.
Its funny how it works…. Polite conversation at first and making sure everything is clean and tidy, then as time goes on the mask will slip and you really get to know the person underneath. I’m looking forward to giving our new housemate the welcome I received and getting to know him as he settles into his new address. I find it curious that you can find information all over the web on how to find a housemate and pick the right one but very little on what to do when he or she moves in. My plan, is the most Irish of plans, a cup of tea and a chat. Shur if that doesn’t work I don’t know what will.
