Sharing a space with roommates is a great way to make friends and save money in college. However, there are some downsides to having roommates too, and one of these can be noise. If you have a noisy roommate, you may find it hard to work or even sleep in peace. If you have loud roommates and are having trouble getting some shut-eye, here are some ways you can deal with it.
Related: How Do I Resolve A Conflict with my College Roommate?
Dealing with loud roommates at night
If you have a noisy roommate who is keeping you up at night, you should first try to take matters into your own hands. Here are some of the ways you can cut the noise and sleep better with loud roommates at night.
1. Earbuds or Headphones
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If your noisy roommates are hampering your sleep, consider investing in a pair of foam earbuds. They are a cheap and easy way to cancel out the noise and sleep better if you have loud roommates. If the roommate noise is beyond the powers of earbuds, you could use noise-canceling headphones instead. These are much more effective when it comes to cutting out the noise and letting you sleep better. If you are the type who listens to music while heading to bed, that may be a great way to unwind and cut the noise of your loud roommates at night.
2. Soundproof your room:
If the earbuds or headphones aren’t helping, you may want to consider soundproofing your room. While noise-proof panels can be expensive, you can find cheaper options online to line your door or walls. These dampen the noise of your loud roommates at night and should let you sleep in peace. Even lining the gap in your door with some sound-proof foam can help cut the noise spilling into your room from your noisy roommate.
3. White noise machine:
If you still can’t get your quality shut-eye time, a white noise machine may be a good purchase. This machine emits white noise, that will drown the noise and help you deal with a noisy roommate. If you don’t want to purchase a white noise machine, you could simply play some white noise from your phone or speakers instead.
Related: Questions You Need To Ask Your Potential Roommate Before Saying Yes
Communicating your problems
If you weren’t able to tackle the issue yourself or your noisy roommate persists in their ways, it may be time to have a talk. You should make your problems clear and out them in a way that does not seem aggressive or rude. Loud roommates can be a pain to tolerate and maybe talking to them is the only option left.
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1. Tell them how you feel:
Let your noisy roommate know that their noise is causing you trouble sleeping and that you have tried to deal with it yourself. A considerate roommate will understand your issue and be willing to make changes for you. Make them realize that their noise seeps into your room and that you don’t mind as long as this does not happen.
2. Be polite and calm
Be sure to stay calm and polite while explaining your concerns to your loud roommates. Do not make them feel like you are attacking them or their lifestyle and assure them that you just want some quiet at night. Tell them that you have tried to deal with it yourself and failed, hence are letting them know about your issues.
Related: Surviving Your First Shared Living Experience
3. Make a noise complaint:
If your noisy roommates refuse to be considerate after your try everything to deal with the problem, you may need to make a complaint. Talk to your building manager or dorm warden to let them know the problem you are facing. Leave it in their hands to take the issue further and deal with it.
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Set rules
Once the matter is finally settled, have a chat with your noisy roommates to work out rules and timings regarding noise. This is the best way to make sure that you have a mutual understanding and that the issues are solved. Framing a simple set of rules for your dorm or apartment can make life easier for everyone and help maintain peace with your noisy roommates. Make sure you avoid conflict and try to make them understand and empathize with your problem.
Related: Rules To Set In Apartments For Rent With Roommates
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