In the span of most college careers, students will live with a roommate. A lucky few will magically be paired with their future best friends; others, however, will experience the horrors that living with a crazy roommate often brings.

Many find themselves stuck in the unfortunate position of living with a less-than-desirable roommate. While it is difficult to completely avoid those occupying the same space, there are steps that can be taken to make the tenure of the lease feel less like a torture sentence.

Setting ground rules upon moving in is essential, and is a way to avoid many problems roommates often encounter. Some methods to consider are cleaning schedules, notification when friends come to visit and if / how food will be shared.

By setting rules, preferably within the first week, it’s probable less food will go missing, rooms won’t be trashed and there will be more quiet time to study. Most of the time, these rules will help roommates through their shared living experience without many issues.

That is unless a particular roommate takes “difficult” to a whole new level. If a roommate begins to ignore house rules in ways that directly affect day-to-day activities, this may be a situation deserving extra attention.

It is important to speak up when confrontation is needed. By laying it all out on the table, troublesome roommates can be made aware of the issue(s) they are causing and can be given a chance to reconcile them. Sometimes, no matter how outlandish the act, people don’t realize their behavior affects others, especially those sharing a living space.

Many college students learn this lesson the hard way by living in misery for too long. Oftentimes, not voicing concerns allows the situation to spiral out of control. Sweeping problems under the rug can lead to a dreaded, complete takeover of the living quarters by said roommate.

When clothes are ruined, bills aren’t paid and books are disappearing, it’s time to call in reinforcements. If the problems escalate to physical damage of the property, contacting the property owners is vital. Having to pay for damages caused by a disrespectful roommate is a situation no students want to find themselves in upon the end of the lease.

Though the thought of going home and encountering a roommate such as this may inspire a desire to run for the hills, inaction is not the answer. Confronting a bad roommate may seem difficult, but doing nothing at all can be far worse.