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Living with a Roommate
Even if you grew up with siblings, sharing living space with your college roommate will be a new experience. Here are some tips for successful roommate living:
- To get off to a great start and set the stage for success, residents are urged to complete a Roommate Understanding Form, available from your RA or HD or the Office of Residence Life. This agreement encourages roommates to develop mutual respect, get clear about living styles (stereo levels, quiet study times, tidiness and the like), and to work together to create a satisfying, open, respectful living situation.
- Address the small things (before they turn into big things).
- Address the big things – ignoring them won’t make them go away.
- Respect your roommate’s space and stuff. Don’t let your things clutter your roommate’s side of the room, and don’t borrow anything without permission.
- Be considerate when bringing guests into your room. Be respectful and conscientious.
- Don’t expect to become best friends – but do be friendly. You both will develop your own social circles.
- Be open to change. You and your roommate will need to be flexible and adaptable to achieve optimal residential bliss (or at least contentment). This is a valuable life skill.
- When a conflict arises, Residence Life staff is available for roommate conflict mediation, consultation, or to help refer/direct residents to appropriate resources.
If issues cannot be resolved and become severe, one person may be asked to move to a different room. Information about the room change process and application may be obtained through the Office of Residence Life.
