For roommates, following a few simple guidelines will make weekly grocery shopping and consumption go a lot smoother.

Consumables are things you can eat or drink right out of the package.  The reason you shouldn’t share these is that it is too easy for one person to go through an entire package, often without realizing how much they are consuming.  When the other roommates reach for the “shared” package, they usually get pretty upset if they helped pay for something they didn’t get to consume any part of…

The reason you shouldn’t share beverages like tea and coffee is that preferences are too personal.  In an apartment of four people, it is unlikely that even two people will like the same brand and flavor of coffee or tea.  Cokes/soft drinks and bottled waters disappear faster than students at spring break so buy your own, but don’t think you can equally share these individual containers.

So, word to the wise: don’t share these things in your weekly shopping trip.  If you are throwing a party, decide in advance what consumables you will share and when you can open the packages.

• Snacks (chips, pretzels, candy)
• Packaged/prepared desserts (ice cream, cakes, cookies, candy)
• Beverages (coffee, tea, water, juice, Cokes/softdrinks)
• Alcohol