It’s no secret that slept-on makeup, roommates, and overstayed welcomes are just a few of the realities when it comes to staying over at your significant other’s dorm place. Sleepovers in college can be tricky, especially when your SO’s apartment or dorm (more than likely) involves at least three roommates that you’ll want to be respectful of. Whether it’s your first time over or your fiftieth time, there are a few unwritten rules and tips you should definitely follow to make it as great of an experience as possible. That you and your SO can spend more time enjoying each other’s company and less time worrying about things that won’t matter in the morning.
1. Be amicable with their roommates
Staying over at your SO’s place means that you will probably be bumping into their roommates on a pretty regular basis. Even something as simple as making the effort to say hello and send friendly vibes can go a long way in making sure you’re always welcomed. “Become friends with their roommates. [It] makes things much less awkward!” Kait Wilbur, a junior at Butler University, suggests.
Instead of beelining it from the front door to your SO's room, try being cordial with their roommates from the get go! Introduce yourself the first time you come over, and after that make sure to give a small hello when you come in. There’s no need to have a lengthy conversation, but a simple “Hi, how are you?” is a step in the right direction. No one wants a rude guest waltzing into their space without so much as an acknowledgement, so just don’t be that person!
In the long run, having a good connection with your SO’s roommates is something that will leave everyone feeling good, making it more likely that you’ll be a welcomed guest rather than a dreaded one.
2. Respect their space
Being respectful of a person's home space goes beyond keeping the volume down and not eating all their Oreos without permission – it also means being mindful of their boundaries when you’re hanging at their dorm or apartment. Rummaging through a fridge for food that isn’t yours, borrowing a roommate’s belongings without asking, and leaving a mess wherever you please – those are just a few examples of how not to act when you’re staying over. Everyone has their own opinions of what is disrespectful and what isn’t, so keep the peace by simply being aware of what you do and say in their home.
One way to show your consideration is to be content with just doing whatever it is your SO normally does in their home. "It’s important to remember that it’s still their space and you need to respect that. If they want to play video games or just hang out, that’s okay! Not every visit has to be planned out. I’ve learned that most of the time they appreciate just having you around", says Haley, a senior at the University of Texas at Austin.
Related: Spending the Holidays at Your SO’s: The Dos & The Don’ts
3. Pack light and smart
Over-packing: We’re all guilty of it! Caught up in the rush of staying at our SO’s for the night, we stuff our bags with as many “just-in-case” products as possible, only to never find ourselves needing that extra box of Band-Aids we threw in just to be safe. As hard as it is to not give in to those over-packing tendencies, it’s important to not only pack light, but pack smart. Smart essentials are extra underwear, deodorant, lip balm, a toothbrush, lady essentials like tampons and your debit card. The great thing about staying at your SO’s is that you can easily borrow a comfy t-shirt or toothpaste, just to make sure you supply the must-haves your partner may not have on hand.
4. Rock your morning look
Ever imagine waking up to your SO with an unreasonably perfect head of hair and baby breath? While that may be the stuff of dreams, it’s so important to accept that no one wakes up actually looking like Beyoncé. Bedhead, dark circles, and morning breath are real! If you can accept both you and your SO’s woke-up-like-this looks, your relationship and the trust within it will have just risen to a whole other level.
5. You can say “no” if something makes you uncomfortable
Just because you're staying as a guest at your SO's place doesn't mean you have to do things you would otherwise be uncomfortable with. With all the pressure associated with staying over at an SO's, do your body and soul a favor by communicating with your partner about what you’re comfortable with sexually, and be sure there’s a mutual understanding of what crosses the line. This is so important, especially if you’re in a relatively new relationship.
Related: 7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Date Someone New
Spending the night with your SO is something that should be fun, exciting and memorable. Next time you stay with them, say hi to their roommates and know that staying over is something to be appreciated and enjoyed. Be yourself, plan ahead, and bring on the power of the sleepover!
