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Many of us get stuck with one of “those” roommates, but if you heed these tips, maybe you’ll be able to spot the “Different Types” ... before you sign a lease with one of them.

The Quiet One

Doesn’t say much and is probably very shy — overall, not a bad roommate to have.

The Girlfriend

Is incapable of discussing anything but her boyfriend, and may have a ‘wedding scrapbook’ to plan for the Big Day — even though he hasn’t proposed yet.

The Self-Centred One

This roommate may be a nice person, but does thoughtless things like use all the hot water or make tons of noise early in the morning.

The Extra Roommate

This “roommate” is actually the significant other of your real roommate. Although he or she has someplace to live, you would never know it from the time this “roommate” spends at your place. And of course, the “roommate” never buys groceries or helps pay for utilities.

The Party Animal

This roommate can be a real pain especially if most of the parties end with people throwing up and/or getting thrown out.

The Goody-Goody

This roommate is the polar opposite of “The Party Animal” and walks the fine line between good influence and good riddance.

The Hygiene-Challenged

This type maybe one of the worst. Here’s an example — out of his many disgusting habits, your roommate washes his body with cheap strawberry shampoo instead of actual soap. Yikes!

The Parent-Controlled

Sometimes, it’s not the roommate who’s annoying — interfering parents can be just as disruptive.

The Slob

A sticky roommate situation is just as tough to deal with. Literally! Read — leaving food everywhere — crusty plates, fast-food wrappers... Imagine finding an entire slice of pizza in the crack of a chair that only he sits in. Disgusting!

The Thief

It doesn’t just have to be valuables your roommate is siphoning. It could be food and makeup. It probably won’t bother you if she asks, but when things begin disappearing, you can turn into The Paranoid Roommate.

Now you’ve heard about all these terrible roommates, but what do you do if you get stuck living with one of them?

It’s all about being an assertive communicator, says David Rardin, associate director for Illinois State University’s (Normal, IL) Student Counselling Services. He says, “Rather than demand that your needs be met, work together to reach an agreement that works well for both [of you].”

Take preventive measures before problems erupt. Although roommates can be a bummer, never fear — the ones that work out are worth it.

The Hometown Friend

Many students have horror stories about rooming with a friend from high school. Old friendships can come to a bitter end over whose turn it was to take out the trash.

On occasion, however, rooming with your hometown friend can work out wonderfully. The Best Friend

Although the “Different Types of Roommates” might have you considering a single room dorm or apartment, never fear: Going through the bad roommates is worth it to find the good ones.

Don’t want your roommate using your toothbrush? Lay down the law right from the start. The two of you don’t have to be attached at the hip, but you want to at least cohabitate civilly. This step-by-step guide on how to survive dorm life will definitely make your first-year transition smoother.