How do I tell suitemates, roommates or housemates that they need to be quieter at night?
There's a big difference between being aggressive and being assertive. Being aggressive in this case would make you rude. You don't need to be nasty to someone when you're talking to them to get your point across, especially if you respect them and you want them to respect you too.
Instead, try being assertive. Bring the issue up when you're already in a regular conversation with them so it's not awkward, and try to be conscious of your tone, as a sour tone of voice can often end up turning a conversation in the wrong direction.
Start by saying something like, "Hey, I don't mean to offend you or anything, but I have to get up super early for my classes in the morning, and sometimes your talking keeps me up when I'm trying to sleep. Would you mind trying to be a little quieter on weeknights?"
You don't have to drag it out or explain yourself until you're blue in the face, just let them know what is bothering you, as well as being open to listening to any complaints that they may have. Keep in mind that living with people is definitely not easy, but communication can make living together a much more enjoyable experience for everyone.
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