How do I roommate?!

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I live in an apartment style dorm room, in the single room. I have two roommates who live in the double room next door. I have no idea what to do. When is it appropriate to discuss common room rules? Do we have to eat meals together and stuff? What do I share (food, plates, etc.) and what do I keep to myself? I'm a sophomore but I've never had a roommate before because I need a single room.

The best way to get answers is to discuss these questions with your roommates. You do not have to eat meals together with them but if you want to become better friends I suggest hanging with them while you eat. It's not necessary but it shows you're more on the friendly side and more willing to socialize. It is completely up to you though, if you feel uncomfortable with that, explain to your roommates that you aren't trying to be rude, you're just not comfortable.

Again, what you want to share is completely up to you. If you don't want your roommates to use your plates tell them immediately, they might take them without asking if you don't clarify. With food you definitely need to be clear with them what you want them to have. If your roommates are nice I doubt they'll just take your food such as leftovers without asking. Now if you buy things such as chips or crackers or even condiments they'll probably feel more entitled to it. You don't have to share what you don't want to because ultimately, its yours. Not theirs.

Things such as video game consoles, books, laptops, and other personal items are things you do not have to share. You should keep those to yourself, especially more expensive stuff such as a laptop unless you really trust your roommates.

I shared a flat but not rooms with 5 other people and we sort of broke the ice the first day of moving in, and it was inevitable through the rest of the year that we would cross paths, as they would spend most of the afternoon in the kitchen eating or socialising, night partying but leave the morning for lectures, I would have made the most of the mornings eating or making the most of the peace and quiet that was a rarity at student housing.

One person was brave enough to cook for other people but I preferred my old habit of microwave dinners, so I shouldn't worry about the other party taking offence if you decide you want your own food, it would depend on your financial situation if you think eats cheaper to shop together and buy cheap ingredients instead of the consistently high price of processed food.