Living with roommates in a BYU-I student housing can be one of the best parts of student life. The perks of experiencing shared meals, spontaneous movie nights, and having someone to talk to after a long day cannot be overstated.
But if there’s one place that can cause tension fast, it’s the fridge. A single appliance, one apartment, and several people trying to keep their groceries fresh? That’s a recipe for stress and drama if you have different habits.
At Sunrise Village, each apartment has one shared fridge. Having a plan can help prevent conflict between you and your roommates.
When it comes to managing the space in your refrigerator, a little bit of organization and open conversation can go a long way. Whether you’re new to campus or settling in for another semester, here’s how to keep your fridge clean, fair, and drama-free without any awkwardness.
Set Fridge Rules Right Away
The best time to discuss fridge rules is right at move-in. It may feel awkward at first, but taking just ten minutes to set expectations early can prevent frustration later.
In BYU-I student housing, especially at Sunrise Village, where each apartment shares one fridge, being proactive will help you in the long run.
Divide up the space fairly
Start by figuring out how to split up the fridge. Give each roommate their own shelf or section in the door. If there's a crisper drawer, decide who uses it, or if it's a shared spot for fresh produce. Oftentimes, all it takes is communication and a mutual understanding of who stores what where.
Make a plan for shared items
Some groceries, like ketchup, milk, butter, etc., are easier to share.
If you plan to split a few staples, make sure everyone agrees on how to restock and when. A simple rule, like "If you finish it, replace it," can keep things fair and clear. Ultimately, you don't want to track every little thing.
Determine what happens if someone slips up
Fridge messes happen. BYU-Idaho encourages respectful and direct communication between roommates. For tips, you can check out their student living guide, which is a great resource for navigating shared responsibilities.
Decide together how you'll bring things up if the fridge rules aren't being followed. Remember, kindness and patience lead to much better outcomes.
Label Your Food
It might sound like overkill, but labeling your food is one of the easiest ways to avoid roommate fridge drama. Anybody could take the wrong lunchbox without meaning to or assume something is free to eat. When containers and leftovers aren’t clearly marked, mistakes happen.
You don’t need anything fancy. Use a permanent marker and masking tape or sticky notes to get started. Just write your name or initials on items you’ve brought or cooked. If you’re someone who meal preps, adding the date can help you track what needs to be eaten first.
Labeling your food also makes fridge clean-outs way simpler. You’ll instantly know what’s yours and what’s been sitting untouched for too long. It saves time and avoids confusion.
It’s a small habit, but it is useful when you want to keep things respectful between roommates.
Develop a Cleaning Schedule
A clean fridge is a happy fridge. More importantly, it's a drama-free fridge, and that's precisely what you want in a BYU-I student apartment.
When everyone understands fridge maintenance, especially the cleaning part of it, it's easier to keep things fresh. A simple routine between roommates can help prevent nasty surprises and frustration.
Check for expired food weekly
Set a reminder to check the fridge once a week for anything expired, spoiled, or just plain forgotten.
What to check:
- Old leftovers
- Moldy fruits and veggies
- Leaky containers
- Unused ingredients
- Expired items
You can rotate so that a new roommate checks the fridge every week. This way, no one feels like the only one cleaning up after others.
Take turns with wipe-downs
You may want to assign a light cleaning task each week. It doesn't have to be intense. Wiping down the inside of the fridge (shelves and drawers) with a damp cloth is often enough to keep it fresh unless there's been a spill. It’s a job that takes just a few minutes but can make a big difference.
You can even use a whiteboard or sticky note on the fridge to keep track of whose turn it is.
Plan a monthly deep clean
Once a month, schedule a time when everyone is around to do a full clean.
What to do during a full clean:
- Pull everything out
- Scrub down the inside of the fridge
- Throw away anything questionable
Think of this task as a necessary reset rather than a chore. Remember that your future selves will thank you.
Stay Flexible When Roommates Change
One of the unique parts of BYU-I student housing is how often things shift.
Roommates graduate, start new jobs, get married, move apartments, etc. The list is long, and your fridge-sharing crew might change from semester to semester. Although this is totally normal, it does mean your fridge system might need a little tweaking now and then.
When someone new moves in, take a few minutes to explain how you've been handling fridge space, cleaning, and shared items. Don't assume the new roommate knows the unspoken rules. Make sure to ask for their thoughts, too. Be open to adjustments to ensure the agreements work for everyone.
Keeping the dynamic low-key and friendly will encourage your roommates to stick to the plan without resentment. A flexible and accommodating attitude makes transitions smoother and keeps the kitchen peaceful even when college life feels hectic.
Contact Sunrise Village for BYU-I Student Housing
In conclusion, sharing a fridge doesn’t have to turn into a roommate horror story. BYU-I students keep their fridges clean and drama-free with clear communication, thoughtful planning, and flexible mindsets.
At Sunrise Village, we know how important it is to feel at home in your student apartment. Our BYU-I student housing is designed to support positive roommate experiences. Each unit comes fully furnished, including a shared kitchen and fridge.
Whether you’re moving in for your first semester or returning for another great year, now’s the perfect time to plan ahead. Reach out to us for a tour to see what life at Sunrise Village is all about. If you’ve already decided on Sunrise Village, apply online today to reserve your spot!