Try to talk to him or her directly about the problem

In theory, this is the most logical and diplomatic approach, but unfortunately it rarely works. Why? Because honestly, college age is old enough for a person to be set in their ways but young enough to still be immature about issues and conflict. But since it can work even a small percentage of the time, it’s worth giving a shot first. If nothing else, you can say you tried to be adult about it.

Speak with your residence hall director or advisor

If trying to talk openly about the problem and reach a compromise with your roommate fails to resolve the problem, then it’s time to go to the residence hall director. He or she will inevitably ask if you tried to talk it out, so it’s good that you already tried that from above, eh? Then he or she will try to mediate disputes, if possible. Remember to be open and honest, but also as calm and as logical as possible. This is the time to air the big grievances only one may bother you the most, but if you don’t mention the others then it may work out that only one gets resolved, leaving you curling your toes and stewing about the half dozen other things you didn’t mention. Still, don’t nitpick and don’t be childish yourself this is the time to realize that no one is perfect, not even yourself, and everyone has differences of taste and personality. You cannot reasonably expect to be placed with someone nearly identical to yourself. Not only is that nearly impossible, but it can also be boring. Part of the college experience is to be exposed to different kinds of people, and it’s an invaluable one. Believe me.

Insist on a room transfer

If mediation by the residence hall director doesn’t work and living with your current roommate is an approximation of your version of hell, start pushing for a room transfer. The chances of you getting a single room are slim, so don’t hold out much hope not only are they the first rooms to get snatched up, but many administrations actively discourage first or second year college students from getting a single room because they worry such a student will live in isolation and not adjust well to college life. My advice is, that unless you’re a huge party-goer and love the Greek life, try to move to a designated study/quiet hall. Even if you’re on the fence about how studious you want your dorm and your life to be, it’s a good choice because after a hard night of partying at another dorm, isn’t it nice to feel sure you can go back to your quiet room and get some sleep? And when you actually do have to cram for exams or pulling an essay out of thin air, it’s nice to be assured you have the quiet to do so. After all, you are paying a lot of money for this college experience (student loans will come back to haunt you long after the keg runs dry, I promise you), don’t you want to be sure you actually learning something academic along the way?