How to be a Good Roommate

A simple list of the things to do and NOT do to be a great roommate.

Things NOT TO DO:

Don't indulge in your roommate's food without asking.

Smoke pot in your room.

Criticize or question your roommates' religious beliefs or those of his/her friends. If you're in a larger group of people, it's usually safe to poke fun at Scientology and Mormonism, just know what crowd you're in before opening your mouth.

Take anything that belongs to someone else without asking. You wouldn't want anyone to do this to you, so don't do it to others.

Leave your stuff all over the bathroom. When you're done brushing your teeth, taking a dump, taking a shower, or especially shaving, make the bathroom the way it was--without hair all over the sink, piss on the toilet seat, or items scattered all over place.

Hit on your roommate's girlfriend. It's just bad news to hit on anbody's girlfriend, but it's much worse when it's

Play loud music. Unless you're half deaf or on drugs, no one likes having to listen to loud music.

Make sure you:

Shower EVERY day. (This is not negotiable, especially if you wear your clothes more than once before washing them, smoke pot, sweat heavily, or have other lifestyle habits that cause you to smell raunchy.)

Help with the cooking or the dishes. Don't be a lazy ass, do your part.

Pay the rent and utilities on time. It's an easy trust-building exercise and will help your roommates see you as reliable and dependable.

Be very discrete with any sexual habits. No one likes to hear other people screwing. If you're going to work on yourself, do it when everyone is asleep, with your door locked. You're asking for trouble if you do things when others are still awake.