Help! My Roommate is a Vegan! (What Every Good Friend Needs To Know)

It’s your first day of freshman year and you are already freaking out.

You finally find your room and meet your roommate. She seems normal; she has nice clothes and is really easy to talk to. You’re nerves finally start to calm. Then, you visit the dining hall together for the first time. You go directly for the sandwich bar, thinking she would follow. Nope. You turn around and she’s piling mounds of lettuce on her plate at the salad bar.

“Oh my god” you think to yourself (completely overreacting, as most people tend to). You ask her about it, and to your demise, she confirms your worst fear. You are those two words and start to go crazy in your head. “I’m vegan!”. Calm down Karen, didn’t you know that over 16 million people in our country are vegan? Here’s something’s to know before you have a total meltdown. The most important being that you are about to embark in an awesome adventure!

Know the facts about going vegan

Don’t have a panic attack. Being vegan is not that odd, as it seems. Do your research about this lifestyle and learn about it. Don’t knock it before you do your own digging. Understand vegan’s point of view and why they make these decisions for themselves. Talk to her! Vegan’s are generally open about their opinions and have no problem explaining them to others (especially someone as close to her as her new roomie!).

Be accepting, it’s a good move

I bet you have things about you that others would find different. And that’s okay!

That’s what makes everyone so special. Accept them for the way they are and don’t throw your opinions onto them about their own life choices. Listen to their thoughts and communicate. You never know how much you could learn about different diets and foods you haven’t been exposed to. In fact, when it comes to veganism, the benefits might actually blow your mind.

Create a system for managing grocery lists

Between the two of you, make a system for your food. Designate areas for meat and dairy products in the fridge, away from fruits and vegetables. While cooking, use separate pots and pans to avoid contamination. Wash your utensils heavily, or maybe have two separate sets. Living with a vegan should be fun, but may also take a smidge of planning.

Show respect for their choice

This should be a rule for every roommate, not just when one is a vegan! Your new roomie doesn’t criticize your food choices, so don’t do that to them! Be respectful of their views and opinions, as they should be to you. Everyone wants to feel supported and comfortable in their own home. Being respectful and being a good listener can go a very long way!