Having been there, I know how unpredictable the whole experience can be - from growing independence to the social scene.

And then there's the roommate issue - having to share a space with a complete stranger can be overwhelming.

But, approaching the situation with realistic expectations and a willingness to compromise will guarantee success.

Having been at boarding school from the age of six, I am independence personified. So I didn't need a box of tissues when I moved into my own place. In fact I was on cloud nine.

The euphoria generated by one's freedom never leaves you.

Unfortunately the economy crumbled and I couldn't afford to live on my own anymore. I had to share a flat with three girls.

It wasn't pure hell, but it wasn't heaven either. Having to wait an hour to use the bathroom and taking cold showers was depressing. Then there was waking up to the sound of house music at 6am and guests who overstayed their welcome and who would use my toiletries. Yuck!

Two of my friends echo a similar story.

Patience lived on her own for years before sharing with not one, not two, but six girls.

"Life was a breeze when I lived on my own," she says.

But Patience ended up sharing everything from washing powder to toiletries, clothes and groceries with them.

"There was no privacy and ... Friday to Monday was a party and music marathon," she says.

A month later she packed her stuff and left.

Mpho was ecstatic when she left her grandma's house for her own place. And she too enjoyed the freedom, but, like everyone else, hated paying the bills.

"That's when you start missing your folks," she says.

She also talks of a mean, callous roommate with whom she had no form of communication.

Mpho ended up moving back to her gran's and, though her taste of freedom was short-lived, she has no regrets about this.

To prevent repeating mistakes or re-experiencing the torture, try following these tips;

Communication

The sooner you discuss this the better, as you'll hopefully get to understand each other's likes, dislikes, and habits.

Honesty will, without a doubt, play a big role in this and you should address things like:

• Are you a morning person or a night owl?

• How will sleeping patterns affect you and your roomies?
• Can you sleep if music is playing or the lights are on? Like if one of you decides to throw a party for instance?

• Domestic habits; Are you a neat freak or do your clothes decorate the floor?
• Sharing things; how comfortable are you with this? and what are the limits?

• Over-night guests; how long can they stay?

It might sound too serious, but having a written agreement could help maintain a healthy relationship with your roomie. This will allow you to be open with each other and you will have a reference in case a problem arises.

Here's how to deal with roommate issues.

Drug habits

As the pressure of growing up mounts, your roomie might crack and develop bad habits like smoking, eating disorders, alcohol and drug abuse etc.

Depending on how much you value her, never play mommy. Instead, discuss your concerns with her and if that doesn't work then try and get her help. The rest of course, will be up to her.

Personal Values

Differences relating to religion, ethnicity, values, race, sexual orientation, and things like that can make one uneasy, which is normal.

But give yourself time to adapt before you freak out. Be open- minded and respect each other's differences. This will give you an opportunity to learn new things about someone different to you.

Money issues

Monthly contributions to necessities and occasional mini loans between roommates can be problematic at times.

If your roomie is sponging off you and the unpaid loans are becoming an everyday thing, screaming and shouting will not yield results. So sit her down and express your concerns.

If she's mature enough she'll contribute and pay you back. If she's not then it'll be a loss on your side and time to consider getting rid of her.

Hygiene and cleanliness

If dishes piling up in the sink, a permanently dirty bathtub, soap scum on the shower floor, clothes on the floor, last week's popcorn on the couch, and empty beer bottles everywhere are not for you then you need to consider things.

Silence is not golden in this case; again you must put your foot down or risk becoming an unpaid maid for the rest of the year.

When you're gatvolof each other

Sometimes it just doesn't work out - you and your roomie are incompatible. Though it should be your last option, it might be wise in these circumstances to change roommates.

This might seem to be a daunting task - but it could be one that might just benefit you in the end.

That's if the "talking it through" option doesn't work.