As summer winds down and move-in dates loom, there’s more to plan for than just busy schedules and endless deadlines.

In that spirit, we thought we’d give you some unsolicited advice on how to handle your relationship with the person you will be stuck living with through it all, for better or worse. 

The opinions desk put out a poll asking people to send us their roommate problems. But just as your roommate might not respond to your texts, we received no replies. 

That’s OK, though. We’ve got you covered!

Here are five hypothetical situations to prepare you for just a few of the many problems you may have with your prospective roommate.

Situation 1: I was assigned a random roommate whom I’ve never met. How do I break the ice?

Callie: Discover your mutual interests!

Matthew: Stalk them on social media, just so you’re prepared!

Vivian: Private investigation, citizen journalism, even. What Matthew said, get stalking!

Wren: Have a PowerPoint night to get to know each other! 

Situation 2: I’m a morning person, but my roommate does homework all night. What should I do? 

Callie: Communicate your needs so you don’t end up resenting them.

Matthew: Try to negotiate. If that fails, buy a sleep mask!

Vivian: Blast music at the crack of dawn. 

Wren: Request a transfer. 

Situation 3: My roommate and I haven’t delegated chores, but things are getting out of hand. 

Callie: Make a chore chart where everyone can contribute.

Matthew: Either discuss it or be passive-aggressive and just do them.

Vivian: Let the mess fester. Only in their space, though.

Wren: Take turns doing the chores no one wants to do. 

Situation 4: My roommate’s partner keeps hanging around, and I feel like a third wheel in my own dorm. I’m not sure how to tell them.

Callie: Request some quiet study hours if you share a room.

Matthew: Share your schedule so they can come when you’re gone!

Vivian: Orchestrate their breakup using gradual manipulation tactics. 

Wren: Doesn’t your roommate’s partner have a dorm, too? 

Situation 5: My roommate is messy, and my space has become their space. Every time I clean, it looks like a tornado has swept through by the next day! 

Callie: Drop hints. Lay out cleaning supplies all over their side.

Matthew: Clean your space and dump their stuff on their bed!

Vivian: Ask why, genuinely, with as little judgment as possible. 

Wren: Give them a chance, but don’t let it go either.