Those who live in a fairy tale world may believe that dorm life is like a Disney movie, where good always prevails over evil and things work out in the end. But others have been exposed to the harsh reality of dorm life and know that living with people can turn into a nightmare.

Should you run into trouble with your roomie, there are several avenues you can take.

1. Cleanliness

You’ll meet many different people throughout your college career. Some will be neat and tidy, while others don’t mind the garbage piling up all over the room. But if you’re living with a messy roommate, there are some ways to address the problem.

First, you can try to follow the student code and set up a meeting, in which everyone can say their part and perhaps create a schedule of duties. That way, everyone knows what is expected of them.

“It is important to put everything at the ground level and have a conversation,” said Remonde Polché, a junior in the Decker School of Nursing. “At least everyone is aware of what is expected and the suite remains clean.”

But if problems persist, you’ll have to make sure that your roommate acts accordingly. Try starting on a friendly note. Perhaps you can share a dessert or show some act of kindness to make your roommate drop his or her guard.

Should further cleaning issues arise, make sure to include phrases like “for the good of the common area” or “I think it will be good for all of us.” As silly as it sounds, it will isolate the messy roommate — whose mess will appear as a selfish act — and make him or her feel guilty. And you will look like the perfect philanthropist.

2. Hygiene

Ah, the stinky roommate. It’s tough to tell a person that he or she smells, but it can be even more awkward when that person is your roommate. Pull your roommate aside and have a private conversation with him or her about his or her odor.

Don’t be harsh, but get to the point. This conversation doesn’t need to be prolonged. You can even give them a bar of soap at the end.

Also, if you’re about to do laundry, you may want to encourage your roomie to do his or her laundry as well. It’ll get those sheets cleaned and give you a chance to bond.

3.”Borrowing” without asking

Some college students will have the misfortune of living with a klepto. Whether this person steals your stuff little by little, like a Snickers here or a Kit Kat there, or goes for the big load, like your laptop, the problem must be addressed.

Try confronting the person yourself. If the conversation turns sour or the person denies the allegations, you may have to speak to your resident assistant. Depending on the severity of the situation, campus police may be involved.

It’s not easy to live with a “borrower,” but you can make your life easier by hiding important items and perhaps buying a safe for your valuables. If your food keeps disappearing, then you should set down rules about what is yours and what you’re willing to share.

4. Scheduling

What happens when the night owl meets the early bird? Disaster. Some people like to stay up partying until all hours while others prefer to wake as the sun rises.

Both parties must come to a compromise, as they are sharing a room. The best approach would be to set a schedule. Create a time when lights should be out each night of the week and when lights can turn on in the morning. If it’s later or earlier than those hours, try to use your desk lamp, so you don’t disturb your roommate.

Also, go over each others’ schedules together so you can see what your roommate’s days are like. This will give you an insight into your roomie’s life and vice versa. That will hopefully help both of you to respect the other’s sleeping pattern.

In spite of all your efforts, if you and the people you are living with can’t find a suitable arrangement — even with the help of an RA or any official authority — stay relaxed and be patient. You’re only living there for three months.

Soon, you will see the positive side of the situation. Your messy roommate could become a good source for your Facebook complaints and the klepto could be excellent material for your creative writing class.