College may be the first time that you are in charge of paying your own bills. It can be helpful to put one roommate in charge of getting everything in on time. “One of my roommates is very responsible and organized, so she took on the task of bill paying,” says Allison. “Every month she posts a note when bills are due and we all cut her a check.”

And for personal items, it’s best to share as little as possible. Buy your own groceries and bathroom supplies, so money doesn’t become a problem between you and your roommate.

College living should be fun, but nothing sours the experience more than roommate tension. Discuss ground rules early and directly, and your biggest problem should be which party to go to this Friday night.