50 Posts From People Who Shamed Their Roommates Online And Rightfully So

Martha Wessell, MSW, a clinical therapist in the Ohio State University Housing & Residence Education department, claims that her institution highly advises students to draw up a roommate agreement.

Topics to cover should include significant others, storing food, using each other's stuff, quiet hours. "This conversation is about trying to help each other think about mutual respect," Wessell told SELF.

The experts also say to keep realistic expectations. Many people imagine that their roommate will become their best friend. Kat Cohen told CNBC Make It that people should refrain from romanticizing the situation. "Instead of placing unrealistic expectations on the nature of this relationship, focus on fulfilling your responsibilities as a roommate by being considerate and conscientious."

Having an honest discussion about what's bothering you is also important. Don’t leave passive aggressive notes for your roommate. Katie Burns, academic advisor and college admissions counselor at IvyWise, a New York-based education consulting company, told U.S. News that letting anger fester can only escalate the conflict.

"When you're living in close quarters, it can be hard and tensions can be high. There's a lot of emotions that happen in college, but you can always work things out with good communication."

If nothing seems to work, the best decision is to move out. Ashleigh Edelstein, LMFT, writes that mental health and safety are worth far more than sticking it out with a terrible roommate. If you've signed the lease recently, ask your landlord whether subletting is an option.

If moving isn't financially doable at the moment, look for apartments with $0 deposits. Put together a budget and a savings plan – perhaps it's not doable now, but it will be something to look forward to.