Dealing with Sharing a Kitchen

It has been awhile since I posted. One thing we learn in college is that things can change from one day to the next. I had issues with my roommates and had to move. I was moving into an apartment with three girls with an already established schedule and arrangement. Meaning we did family style dinners where one person would cook and we all shared food costs. If you and your roommates eat similar then that is fine go for it but if you are a picky eater or you have different food habits than the people you live with you may want to learn to cook for yourself, or get a meal plan. I still have a meal plan because I like to be able to eat on campus with my friends occasionally. It is also nice when you really don't want to cook or you don't have time to you can usually just pick something up. That being said this next semester I will be going back to my old routine where we all just do our own thing with food. This is the best choice for me since I am picky, not about certain foods I will eat, but about the quality and the way my food is prepared. The most important thing to remember is communicate with your roommates about the expectations of tools and food. You all share a kitchen and you should all get along. Here are some things to talk about:

• Food: what can be shared, what can't, Food storage (we all have our own shelves), Refrigerator space, Should everyone mark their food, cleaning the fridge, how long should stuff stay in the fridge, dealing with rotted food, allergies (severity and how to avoid accidents) 
• Kitchen tools: do you all have your own stuff and you only use your own stuff, what can be shared, 
• Cleaning: Dishwasher emptying, cleaning your dishes, dishes being left in the sink, cleaning of countertops and stove, Deep cleaning of the kitchen

All these thing are fights roommates get into. Make sure everyone is clear on what is expected. Do not assume anything. If the rule is that you all buy your own food then don't use something that isn't yours without asking. If you ask to use something like an egg, make sure you always replace it. Be respectful of others foods and tools. Overall, good communication is key.