Meeting your neighbors is part of the fun of apartment life, especially when you live in an off-campus apartment.
On move-in day, chances are you’re going to meet some of your neighbors, simply because you’re moving in and everyone else knows it. That doesn’t mean the other students or people who live nearby are going to welcome you with open arms and offer to carry your couch.
Off-campus apartments are notorious for having revolving doors, with some tenants occupying a space for only a few months. Long-time residents in a complex get used to seeing people come and go. For that reason, they may not be the first to jump up and lend you a helping hand.
Yes, it’s true. Living in an apartment is not the same as living in a dorm. Most of the time in a dorm, you’re going to know your neighbors. You’re at least going to know the ones on either side of you, across the hall and the ones you meet in the showers on a daily basis. In an apartment, being able to meet your neighbors depends in large part on your schedule. If you get up early and leave for school and you don’t come home until after the library closes, you probably are only going to meet the neighbors who work the night shift.
Sometimes the first time you meet your neighbors is when you or they have a complaint. You were too loud the night before or your neighbor doesn’t like how you slam the door when you leave in the morning.
The best way to deal with neighbors is to keep an open mind. Make eye contact and smile when you pass in the courtyard. Say hello as you head in after a long day. Meeting people is a natural occurrence and the chances of getting along are good if you keep an open mind.
How did you meet your neighbors? Share your story in the comment section below.
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And don’t forget to go to the socials! Most college apartments have them at least once a semester. I was able to put names to the faces I see everyday (besides my roommates!) and, of course, free food!
My roommates and I loved to go to the apartment socials, it was a great way to meet everyone and start new friendships.
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