Roommate Guide

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Sharing a room/apartment for many college students is a new experience. To ensure good relations with your roommate, suitemate, or apartment mate, remember that it is always a good idea to talk things over first.

In full support of the educational mission of the university, students living on-campus are expected to view academic responsibilities as their primary goal. Therefore, the purpose of a student’s room is primarily for study and sleep, which take precedence over social privileges. Residents are expected to facilitate this environment for others around them.

Each resident should also take responsibility for communicating concerns in a timely and productive manner to their roommate(s), a RA, or another staff member so that concerns can be addressed.

Roommate Rights

All residents have the right to:

  • feel safe from harm
  • an environment conducive to sleep
  • study in one’s room free of unreasonable noise and distractions
  • a clean and well-maintained space
  • privacy and respect for one’s personal space and belongings
  • communicate and resolve grievances

Early Communication

By talking about these key points with your roommate, you can help prevent conflicts before they happen.

  • Class schedules
  • Sleep times and preferences
  • Study location, times, and preferences
  • Sharing belongings and space
  • Standard of cleanliness and how cleaning will be managed  
  • Guests, visitors, and their use of space
  • Temperature
  • Noise

Roommate Agreement

  • Your RA will initiate the roommate agreement process at the beginning of the semester.
  • There is a form that you will work with your roommate to complete. 
  • Take this process seriously, even if it feels like you won’t have any issues with your roommate.
  • Once set, you should follow the agreement just like any other policies or expectations.
  • As you move through the year, you can work with your RA to address concerns and revise this agreement.

HRL Policies

Your Roommate Agreement cannot supersede laws, policies in the university’s Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, or the Housing & Residential Life policies.

Steps for Addressing Concerns

In any roommate situation, you should treat them with respect, consideration and openness. Roommate conflicts should be referred to your RA. If the RA cannot help resolve the conflict, contact your Area Director.

  1. Communicate with your roommate(s):
    • Respectfully, in person, openly
    • Reference your roommate agreement
  2. Notify your RA/CA of unresolved concerns.
  3. Participate in a mediated meeting with your roommate(s) and RA.
  4. Amend your agreement and set guidelines for moving forward.
  5. Utilize area professional staff as needed.

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