Helpful Ground Rules for Navigating the Pandemic When Living with Roommates - Newport Paper House

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Helpful Ground Rules for Navigating the Pandemic When Living with Roommates

 

It goes without saying that the pandemic has brought a lot of regular social and day-to-day activities that normally take place outside of university housing in Tempe to a halt. 

This means that anybody living with roommates is probably finding themselves in a lot closer quarters than usual. As such, some extra communication might likewise be in order here to make sure that everybody stays sane. 

Thankfully, those enjoying a shared living situation in student apartments in Tempe have the benefit of constant companionship that so many people lack these days, and they are also lucky enough to have such a common living situation to be spending time in, so there is definitely a lot to be grateful for. 

However, it is important that everybody be extra conscious of both their own boundaries and those of their roommates when everybody is spending so many extra hours at home. These helpful tips will help anybody weathering the pandemic with a roommate, pal, or partner in student housing in Tempe navigate the pandemic safely while helping to avoid some potential roadblocks along the way. 

1. Make Time to Chill Together

There are a lot of things to be stressed about these days, and while tension is running high, it tends to all too easily spill out into shared living situations. It is likely that after spending way more time together than they thought they would be spending together, roommates might be finding some faults in what was once a chill and relaxed shared living situation. 

So what to do when tension starts running high? Rather than ignore the problem and inadvertently continue to feed into the cycle, it can sometimes help a lot to turn the tide with some kind of low-stress shared activity. It is totally understandable that after seeing the same person day and night, like a shared play-date, might be the last thing on everybody’s minds, but choosing something relaxing and enjoyable can actually be a great way to hit the reset button and cleanse out any bad blood that might be dissolving under the surface. 

Once people get an opportunity to reconnect in a way that releases stress-busting hormones, it can clear up any communication blocks and open the door to healing conversations that can clear the air. So think movies, video games, puzzles, music, going for a stroll, or a manicure/pedicure date. Just try to keep stimulants like alcohol and caffeine out of the picture and stay away from long-winded talks or anything too intense. 

2. Carve Out Time Alone

So making time to chill together is great, but it is also very important for everybody sharing a spacing in student housing in Tempe to find a way to carve out their own boundaries and space. 

Everybody has different ways to unwind, and when stress starts mounting, it is important to have a few tricks up the sleeve to chase it away. Some people like to journal; some like to make art or collages, some like to dive into a good walk, or some like to take a jog or even just a relaxing warm shower. Whatever works, make a note of it, and be sure to remember to turn to these little escapes whenever it is time to carve out a little space. 

3. Check In

Communication is key in any type of shared living situation, but the coronavirus pandemic really takes the importance of this roommate fundamental to a whole new level. 

A lot of people will try to push the things that are bothering them out of their minds or tell themselves it is no big deal. The problem is that this type of strategy rarely works. In fact, the opposite happens, and in making an effort to forget about an annoyance, it often ends up feeling magnified. 

So basically, the moral here is that rather than let grievances simmer, it is a lot better to get them out in the open where they can be properly acknowledged and dealt with. Of course, when it comes to communicating these kinds of things, respect is key. Know that there are always two sides to the story, so it is important to listen attentively to what the other party has to say and be prepared to compromise. 

Likewise, it is good practice to make a habit of politely checking in with any roommates on a regular basis. They will likely appreciate the gesture and feel more comfortable when it comes to opening up a conversation about anything that is on their minds. Scheduling weekly meetings can be a good way to make sure that communication is always flowing and nothing is flying under the radar. 

4. Discuss Schedule Changes

A lot of people are finding their plans going up in the air these days, and these unexpected scheduling changes might also interfere with people’s expectations of when they might have the space to themselves. 

Some people appreciate their alone time more than others, but regardless, it is always helpful for roommates to keep each other updated in terms of what their schedule is like so that everybody can negotiate their own personal time. Likewise, when it comes to cancelations, it’s always a good idea to shoot a roommate a text to let them know about the change in plans. 

5. Think Positive Thoughts

This might definitely come off as a little new-agey, but the truth is that negative assumptions can really get the best of an otherwise great shared living situation when left to fester unchecked. 

If there ever was a great time to practice being more empathetic toward others, this is it. Almost everybody has had to give up something because of the pandemic, and there are a lot of different ways in which people might be struggling. 

So rather than assuming the worst about a person, try assuming the best instead. If a roommate is grouchy, assume that they are just having a tough day and ask if they need anything. If the dishes have been left in the sink again, remember that there is a lot going on right now, and it’s really not the end of the world. 

Getting through this together is going to be a whole lot easier than getting through this apart, so always keep the big picture in mind. 

The Takeaway

There are always challenges to be navigated, and this is an especially challenging time, but when all is said and done, living with a roommate is a lot of fun. 

Student apartments in Tempe offer practical, convenient, and stylish living arrangements that make for the perfect pad to share with a pal, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a local property management company to find out more. 

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