The HO4 policy also pays any necessary additional living expenses you are forced to make due to a natural disaster or in case your apartment asks you to move out for a short period of time while they remodel, fumigate, etc. If your apartment building is hit by a tornado, it's going to take more than a couple of days to rebuild your complex. Eating every meal out and living in a motel can add up quickly. By investing in this policy, you won't have to worry about these expenses.

Renter's insurance is typically priced around $200/yr for $30K worth of coverage and $100K worth of liability. However, cost for renter's insurance may vary depending on several factors. For example, you will pay a lower premium if you're next door to fire department than if you're two miles away. If you are in a high crime area, your premium will be considerably more than someone living in a picture book neighborhood. In older apartments without up-to-date wiring, premium will be a bit higher. For complete details, contact your local insurance company.

dan the roommate man

3. Be considerate. If you spilled something, clean it up. Wash dishes after you use them, especially if dishes aren't yours. Don't take things without permission. If you see your roommate studying, even if it isn't quiet hours, turn down volume. Being considerate is contagious and your roommate will do same for you.

4. And most important tip of all, communicate with your roommate. If something is bothering you, don't expect your roommate to figure it out. Just tell him or her what it is and try to work out something so that it isn't bothering you anymore. It is so easy to just stop speaking to each other when something goes wrong, but it won't get resolved that way. Communication is key!

I know that there are some really bad roommates out there and these guidelines won't help everyone. For those people, I recommend that you talk to your Resident Advisor as soon as possible and tell him/her your situation. Your RA's are paid to help you, so don't hesitate to go to them for support. They will let you know if it is possible to change rooms and/or roommates and what proper procedure is.

Roommates are really nothing to be afraid of. They are people just like you. Chances are, even if you and your roommate are extremely different, you can still end up being friends. They are going to be a big part of your school experience, so make an effort to get along. And who knows? Maybe you will get lucky and you and your roommate will have a best friend for life-bridesmaid/ best man at your wedding-name your children after each other kind of relationship. Good luck!

dan the roommate man