College prep: Surviving a bad roommate

Whether you’re pairing up with your high school bestie or you were lucky enough to click with someone during orientation, choosing a college roommate can be easy. But for the majority, it’s one of the most stressful things about heading off to university.

It’s a small space and you’re bunking up with a stranger so there’s a good chance of trouble. In that case, follow these tips.

• Be vocal and set ground rules. They can’t fix problems they don’t know of.

• Stay busy and reduce the amount of time you’re in the room.

• Don’t force the friendship, just be cordial.

– Devin Thompson, The Boston 100