If a girl has a bad roommate

By Dr. Jenkings via UN Volunteers

Once in our life we may encounter that one roommate who we just don’t agree with. Whether  this disagreement is in secret or an open argument, there are some steps to take in order to avoid negative influence from a bad roommate.

Let’s define a bad roommate; there is no one true characteristic to detect one but the basic features of a bad roommate include a person who is unwilling to coexist peacefully in your living space or someone who is trying to negatively influence you and doesn’t contribute to your personal growth.

While a roommate is not a lifetime partner, their influence can affect our wellbeing during the time we spend with them.

The easiest way to notice a bad roommate is seeing the quality of life you are leading after they come into your life. Are you suddenly unhappy, irritable, have your grades gone down and is your relationship with others gone downhill? Then try to connect if any of this is as a result of your roommate.

Image via mykindofcollege.com/

However, before pointing all the blame to your roommate, make sure that you are not negatively influencing their life either. Focus on building a positive environment.  Talk nicely to your roommate about the concerns you have and if they disregard you, ask the authorities or trusted persons to intervene.

Do not allow your roommate to negatively influence you but instead, make an effort to positively influence them. Having negative emotions toward your roommate will make it difficult for you to have a peace of mind and if they have negative emotions toward you, set clear boundaries on your interaction.

If your situation gets worse, try your best to get a new room. Be safe.

You also want to watch more If A Girl.

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How to handle roommate conflict.

About Dr. Patricia Jenkings

Dr Jenkings has worked as a Ministerial Policy Adviser and is a Life Member of The University of Sydney Australia Union and University Alumni.  She has successfully completed academic studies both nationally and internationally and her University honours and doctoral work centred on migrant settlers and women’s rights and empowerment. She has presented academic papers at national and international conferences, with works published locally and overseas. 

Dr Jenkings presented a paper at the Academic Council on the United Nations System in New York on the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights highlighting the significance of women empowerment and women's rights. Dr Jenkings is also an active member of the UN Women Australia and continues to work towards creating a fairer and safer world.