Everyone has a bad roommate story. It can range anywhere from the likings of the 2011 horror movie “The Roommate” to just your roommate being an obnoxiously loud snorer. Just living with someone in such an enclosed place can be challenge enough.

I have compiled some of the most common roommate problem and provided ways to deal to them. 

Your roommate always eats your food.

If your food is kept in a common area like a shared fridge or cupboard, this problem could just be a misunderstanding. If boundaries were never set, your roommate might just think that what is yours is also his or hers. Maybe they think the close bond you’ve formed as roommates gives him or her the option to eat straight from your jar of Nutella. Step one is to sit them down and just have a conversation about how your Nutella — or any other precious food item — is on the nonsharing list. If the problem still persists, you will just have to put your food in an area that is strictly yours.

Your roommate borrows clothes without asking.

Let’s just get it out in the open: You are fabulous and your clothes reflect that. Everyone wishes they could delve into your closet, but your roommate isn’t just wishing anymore. She is now wearing your favorite dark wash jeans and your new cashmere sweater. The problem once again is they think since you are living together you are as close as siblings and asking is no longer necessary. Boundaries need to be set for this sticky-fingered roommate. Once again, sit them down and let them know that if they ask, you are fine with them borrowing anything. Anything, that is, except those adorable boots you just bought with the hard-earned savings from your minimum-wage summer job.

Your Roommate is party rocking the night before your 8 a.m. test.

Remember it is a shared space, so let your roommate get wild and crazy on some nights of the week. It is understandable, however, that on the Sunday night before your 8 a.m. MCB final, you would like them to shut off whatever Skrillex song they are blasting at 3 a.m. Give your roommate a heads up about a day before that you are going to need some peace and quiet that night. It will be a lot easier to persuade them to change their plans if they have a 24-hour notice instead of trying to convince them to shut up after they are a few Keystones in.

In most roommate disagreements, it’s best to sit them down right away and have a conversation instead of letting it stew and getting angry until you explode. The only exception is if they are trying to take your identity and your life. Then notify the authorities about the nut before it is too late. Otherwise, just be mature and talk it out. Most likely, they will be understanding of your needs.

Haley is a sophomore in Media and can be reached at [email protected].