College students across the country run into roommate conflicts from time to time. But experts say you should embrace these arguments rather than avoid them. So how do you deal with the messy roommate? What about the one who hogs the telephone, the television and the food? Or how about the one who doesn’t pay his fair share of the cable bill? And let’s not forget the space invader.

When it comes to money suggests making it clear who’s paying for what up front to avoid conflict down the road. Then there’s food and common living space. Be generous when you can so that when you are in a crabby mood you’ve sowed some good seeds from which you can reap.

Even after all your effort it does not work out and things get heated, use the old 10-second

rule before responding — or just leave the room altogether. Most conflicts can be avoided or

solved with cool-headed communication.

The best thing you can do to avoid the trouble is to be honest with your roommate. If something is bugging you then let them know, because these are supposed to be the best years of your life.