You asked:

My roommate and I got along OK last semester, but suddenly we're driving each other crazy. Should I just stick it out for the rest of the year?

It’s tough to toss out general advice about personal conflicts. But depending on your school’s schedule, after spring break, only about six weeks of classes remain before exams. If you're only vaguely annoyed with one another, have a conversation about the habits bothering each of you. It's probably possible to work things out in a fairly pleasant manner if you just have the guts to confront it. (It only hurts for a minute, I promise.)

When bringing up issues, wait for a time when your roomie doesn't have any huge assignments or other distractions. One big no-no: Don't leave passive-aggressive notes on doors. It's just lame. Simply ask your roommate if the two of you can carve out some time to talk.

If your roommate refuses to talk or you feel you can't handle it by yourself, residence life departments have systems in place for mediation. Often it starts with your R.A., and if you require mediation above and beyond that, it goes to a supervisor, who tries to help you two work things out so you can coexist peacefully the rest of the year.

If you find the situation absolutely unbearable, most schools also have a system for requesting room switches. But this late in the semester, chances are slim that there will be other rooms available. In the end, is it really worth packing up and moving your stuff to a different room just a few weeks before you have to haul it all home again? That's a lot of trouble -- but if it's impacting your studies, it might be better to get out.

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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