The 5 types of Roommates
And why only one is normal
What's up guyyyy?
Living with roommates is one of life’s greatest social experiments. Nobody prepares you for it. You just move in with strangers and hope for peace.
Sometimes you get peace.
Other times, you get character development.
Every student who has shared a room, flat, or hostel knows this truth: roommates come in types. And while we try to coexist, only one of these types is actually normal.
Let’s identify them.
1. The Ghost
This roommate technically exists, but you never see them.
They come in at odd hours, leave without a trace, and you start wondering if they live somewhere else entirely. Their bed is always made. Their things never move. Sometimes you forget their name.
They’re not problematic, but they’re unsettling. Are you roommates or strangers sharing rent?
2. The One Who Thinks This Is Their Father’s House
This one is bold. Very bold.
They use your things without asking. They invite people over like they’re running a lounge. They control the light, the fan, the TV, the vibes. Boundaries are a foreign concept.
If you complain, they act shocked, like you’re the unreasonable one for wanting peace in the space you also pay for.
3. The Human Tornado
Their side of the room looks like a natural disaster passed through.
Clothes on the floor. Plates stacking up. Bags everywhere. Somehow, they always know where everything is, even though nothing makes sense.
They will tell you, “I’ll clean it later.” Later never comes.
4. The Overly Considerate One
This roommate apologizes for everything.
“Sorry I came back late.”
“Sorry I coughed.”
“Sorry I’m breathing.”
They ask before touching anything, even things you’ve told them they can use freely. They are calm, respectful, and slightly stressed about inconveniencing everyone.
They are nice, but sometimes you want to tell them to relax small.
5. The Actually Normal One
This is the rare species.
They clean up after themselves. They communicate. They respect shared space. They’re not perfect, but they’re reasonable. You can talk to them without it turning into tension.
They're very demure, very mindful.
They understand that living together requires compromise.
This roommate is the standard. Unfortunately, they are also the hardest to find.
So why is only one normal?
Because most of us move in with roommates without learning how to live with other people. Everyone comes with different habits, backgrounds, and expectations. Add academic stress, financial pressure, and lack of personal space, and small issues become big ones.
Roommate problems are rarely about plates or noise. They’re about boundaries, communication, and respect.
Anywayyy,
If you’ve ever had roommate wahala, you’re not alone. It’s part of the student experience. Sometimes you learn patience. Sometimes you learn confrontation. Sometimes you just learn what you will never tolerate again.
And if you’re reading this and realizing you might be one of these types… no judgment. Growth is possible.
Just remember, peace in shared spaces is priceless.
Don’t forget to wash your plates and tidy up your pile of clothes.
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Till next gist,
Gbemi from 10.8.8 Africa ✨
I wonder which roommate I've been.