We’ve all been there: tip-toeing around a darkened dorm room in the morning, trying (and failing) to not wake up a roommate sleeping only a few feet away. Having a class at eight o’clock in the morning is already a fight in itself, but living with a roommate on a different class schedule in the morning makes it even harder.

 

There’s nothing wrong with taking those early morning classes, but a grumpy, prematurely-awoken roommate definitely brings some thunderclouds to any sunshine-filled day. Here are some tips on how to handle this kind of situation. Your roommate will probably thank you.

  1. Plan out your outfit the night before.

One of the most tragic parts about getting ready for the day in the dark is trying to locate clothes to wear. Dresser drawers and closet doors are known to be exceptionally loud in the early hours of the morning. In order to cut down on the squeaking and shoving of furniture, pick out your outfit before you go to bed the night before your morning class. It probably won’t take more than five minutes of your time the night before but will pay off greatly in the morning. Not only will this save you some time and let you sleep in a few extra minutes, but it allows you to get dressed more quietly in the morning.

  1. Keep your personal care necessities in the bathroom.

Whether you are working with a suite or community bathroom situation, having your hairbrush, toothbrush, makeup, hair ties, etc. already in the bathroom will make your morning routine quieter and easier. You’ll be able to have the lights on in the bathroom as you do your makeup or hair so your roommate will be unbothered as you get ready for class.

  1. Eat breakfast outside of your room.

If you like to snack on breakfast foods you keep stocked in your room, make sure to do it outside of your dorm room. You could migrate out to a floor lounge for breakfast with your own food, or just plan ahead and go to the DC or grab a quick HUB muffin. Your roommate probably doesn’t want to hear you crunching cereal in the dark anyway.

  1. Pack up your backpack the night before.

It seems like every little sound is amplified in darkness, backpack zippers included. Putting all of your supplies for class in your backpack beforehand will make your morning routine soundless and quick. You’re also less likely to forget a folder or notebook when you are not rushed.