| ‘My housemate has just started an internship, so she has to get up at six in the morning. No matter how quiet she is, and how good my earplugs are, she always wakes me up, whereas I only need to get up at eight o’clock. Does anyone have a solution? Myrthe, student of Nutrition & Health |
Extra
‘Since you say she is already doing her best to be quiet, nothing more can be done from her side. You can try to get back to sleep (but I know a lot of people find that hard). Or just start your day early. Hey! There’s no harm in having an extra couple of hours a day.’
Monika, MSc student of Food Technology
Early bird
‘Living in a student house sometimes calls for a bit of give-and-take. Your housemate is already getting up quietly, and I would see that as a sign of good intentions! Consider getting up at the same time as her a couple of times a week. Who knows, you might be very productive early in the morning. Don’t let’s forget: the early bird catches the worm!’
Harm Ligtenberg, MSc student of Earth and Environment
Understanding
‘You should be happy for your housemate that she found an internship, as there aren’t many of those now because of the coronavirus. And it is very important to get some practical experience and be able to round off your degree programme. An internship is hard work, so your housemate could use a bit of moral support. Show her some understanding and discuss how to solve this. Maybe your housemate could have her shower and make her sandwiches before she goes to bed?’
Astrid van Noordenburg, coordinator of Student Career Services
Nice and clean
‘For most people aged between 18 and 64, seven to nine hours of sleep per night is enough. If you know your roommate will wake up at six am, make sure you go to bed by 11 pm. Physical exercise helps improve sleep quality, so make sure you get enough exercise. It is calming if both you and your bed feel nice and clean. Turn off the lights and relax. Good night!’
Stefanus Mega Prabawa, MSc student of Food Technology
Analyse it
‘Analyse together where the problem lies: what exactly wakes you up, Myrthe? And what would it be impossible for your housemate to do without any noise at all, however hard she tries? And what might she do or get ready the night before, so she can be quieter in the morning? Think up solutions together.’
Joanne Leerlooijer, education coordinator at Strategic Communication + Knowledge, Technology and Innovation
| The last while, I’ve been finding it difficult to stay motivated in my studies. It’s hard to get into a routine with online teaching and my social life isn’t what it was. I’ve been thinking a lot about this problem and I don’t have a solution. Asking for help seems too excessive. What should I do? International Development Studies student (name known to the editor) |
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