Roommates

The key to successful roommate relations is open, honest communication: It is better to know how everyone feels about issues before problems arise.

Don't let problems go too long before you deal with them. It may be a simple problem that can be solved with some outside help.

Explore all the possibilities before you request a room change:

  • See your RA or VP and try to work things out
  • Use the roommate survival worksheet to work things out.
  • You and your prospective roommate must set some personal priorities.
  • Decide how flexible you wish to be.
  • Determine how you might learn and grow from your shared experience
  • If the problem escalates the Housing Services Associate Director may be able to help. A meeting may be set up by contacting the Housing Services Office.

Friends:

  • I like to host parties
  • As to overnight guests . . .
  • My friends could best be characterized as . . .
  • I am having a few friends over in our common room later/ I have an exam in the morning . . .

Habits:

  • I prefer to cook and entertain in the unit regularly

  • I drink/I object to drinking

  • I am an early/late riser/retiree

  • I am a heavy/light sleeper

Privacy:

  • I need to be alone without intrusion (always, often, rarely, sometimes, never)

  • I am a private/social person

  • I like to have my door open/closed

Problems:

  • I do/do not keep things inside myself

  • I expect my roommate to listen if I am disturbed about something

  • I am willing to listen when my roommate has a problem and wants to talk

Responsibility:

  • Cleaning can best be accomplished by . . .

  • Dishes should be done . . .

  • I work best with a set schedule for housekeeping chores

  • Each person should be responsible for . . .

  • I expect a _____ level of cleanliness

Roommates:

  • A good roommate to me is...

Sharing:

  • I am willing to share expensive items like a bike, car stereo, TV, VCR, computer, etc.

  • I am willing to share smaller items like CD's, dishes, food, and clothes

  • I am willing to share groceries and cooking responsibilities/ I like to cook for myself

Studying:

  • I prefer to study in the apartment/I need quiet time when I study

Volume:

  • I like loud movies, music, and video games/ I prefer quiet activities