Ode to the Extra Roommate
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Let’s be honest, living situations can make or break a college experience. Having a loud roommate, a messy one, or maybe even one who is too clean can make you feel like no space on campus is truly and completely your own. And who doesn’t need somewhere to unwind after their 9-5(a.m.) in Lamont? On the other hand, if you love your roommates, your life at Harvard could become exponentially better. But what about that roommate who isn’t actually your roommate? What about that person your friend is dating who apparently now lives with you? Where do they fall? The extra roommate is a unique yet universal experience that significantly alters the dynamic of the suite — for better or for worse.
The Bathroom
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about having a lovely extra roommate is the bathroom scene. A bathroom designed for three can become crowded by four, five, or even six people. One sink being shared in the morning, one shower being used at night, the extra toothbrushes littered around create chaos. The feeling of impending doom when they’ve been in there for 15 minutes, and your class starts in 10, and you still haven’t brushed your teeth can really take a toll on your mental health. A relaxing morning quickly turns into a stressful one, and you’re transported back to your childhood, when sharing the bathroom with your siblings was a monstrous and never-ending problem. Even if you might love the extra roommate as you do your siblings, sharing things that are supposed to be yours can make you dislike them intensely.
Clutter
Even if the extra roommate is neat, it’s inevitable that there will be some clutter due to the extra items in the confines of a small space (shoutout to the rooms where you can reach out between beds and hold hands). Extra clothes that don’t fit in the dressers are bound to be found where they aren’t supposed to be in the suite (a coat on my bed and sweatshirt on my chair, really?). Extra shoes that don’t fit on the rack will be scattered about. Due to no fault of the extra roommates, there is sometimes just not enough space to fit double the amount of people meant to stay in a room. Or maybe it really is just because your extra roommate is a messy king/queen. Either way, tensions may be high when the extra roommate’s clutter takes over your life.
Another Bestie?
A (potential) positive to having an extra roommate is that you are gifted (hopefully) with another bestie! If you love your roommate, and your roommate loves them, who’s to say you won’t get along too! They’re likely to be cool… as long as your roommate has good taste. For example, let’s say someone just broke your heart. You get home and want the comfort of your roomie to get through it. Alas, your extra roommate is with her! What to do? Well, another ear to hear your sorrows never hurts, and getting another perspective might just be what tips you off that you deserve better. Thanks, extra roommate! I’m over them!
An extra roommate might be annoying at times. Having someone in your space when it isn’t your choice can be hard. But as long as you are open and honest, and can tell them to get the f out sometimes, all will be well! Plus, you might even like the extra roommate and make another great friend (until they break up).