You may or may not be used to sharing a space with others.  While having a roommate inevitably has its challenges, it can also be a wonderful, positive experience. Below are ten tips to make sure you and your roommate keep things pleasant and supportive throughout the year (or even years!).

1. Be open from the beginning. Let your roommate know as soon as you can about your little quirks and preferences. It's not fair to expect him or her to pick up on them right away, and communicating what you need is one of the best ways to eliminate problems before they become problems.

2. Address things when they're little. Addressing things that bug you while they're still little can help your roommate be aware of something she may not otherwise know. And addressing little things is much easier than addressing them after they've become big.

3. Respect your roommate's stuff. This may seem simple, but it's probably one of the biggest reasons why roommates experience conflict. Don't borrow, use, or take anything without getting permission first.

4. Be careful of who you bring into your room -- and how often.

5. Lock the door and windows.

6. Be friendly, without expecting to be best friends. Don't go into your roommate relationship thinking that you are going to be best friends. It may happen, but expecting it sets both of you up for trouble. You should be friendly with your roommate but also make sure you have your own social circles.

7. Be open to new things. Your roommate may be from someplace you've never heard of. They may have a religion or lifestyle that is completely different from your own. Be open to new ideas and experiences, especially as it to relates to what your roommate brings into your life.

8. Be open to change. Be comfortable addressing things that unexpectedly come up, setting new rules, and being flexible to your changing environment.

9. Address things when they're big. If something gets to be a big problem quickly, deal with it as soon as you can.

10. If nothing else, follow the Golden Rule. Treat your roommate like you'd like to be treated. No matter what your relationship is at the end of the year, you can take comfort knowing you acted like an adult and treated your roommate with respect.