Many students have had problems with their roommate.

But for those unlucky enough to have such a problem, there are many resources around campus that can help resolve the issue – be it something minor or serious.

The Roommate Survival Guide, which can be found on the Web site for NIU Students’ Legal Assistance, gives a lot of helpful advice on how to get along with a roommate.

According to the guide, “It takes commitment, involvement and work to benefit from school. These same qualities are needed if you want a good, productive relationship with your roommates.”

Communication is listed as crucial to maintaining a good relationship. Simply talking with each other can strengthen your relationship. Another important element is that roommates should tell each other what is bothering them as soon as possible.

Roommate troubles can turn into a sticky situation in no time if the problem is not addressed and dealt with. When a conflict occurs, students may need to get everyone together and allow each person involved to give their side without interruption. Each person should be willing to compromise for the change that needs to be made. Everyone should be in agreement on how to fix the problem.

After the change is implemented, a time and date should be set to discuss the results of the change and make changes as needed. Make sure everyone involved approaches the conflict fairly and honestly.

If a roommate isn’t cooperating, there are still measures that can be taken. Even though they aren’t communicating, efforts still need to be made as long as roommates share responsibility. If this still occurs, contact your community adviser or landlord about the problem. Keep in mind that you don’t have to get along with your roommate to survive and control your temper when being in this situation.

Freshman undecided major Sean Foley said it’s up to both roommates to maintain a healthy relationship.

“You got to have a give and take relationship with you and your roommate,” Foley said.

Foley also said it’s important for roommates to get used to each other’s schedules and patterns.

Sultan Budhwani, a sophomore physical therapy major, echoed Foley’s stance that roommates need to work together.

“For instance, when one roommate is down, the other should come and help,” he said. “However, also one roommate should not take advantage of the other but instead, sacrifice certain comforts of life.”