Avoiding Roommate Conflicts

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Among the many challenges a student may face while in college, living with another person may be one of them. It is important for roommates to discuss their expectations for their living arrangements early. By setting boundaries in the beginning of the year, it is less likely for smaller things will become bigger issues as the year goes on.

Each roommate may have different expectations for their living situation and things that may be obviously off limits to one roommate may not be to the other. Direct communication about expectations can avoid future conflicts and it is much easier to ask these questions before either student is frustrated. It is also important that a student doesn't vent to other students about their roommate, online or otherwise, because this can create more tension.

Listed below are some topics that are important for roommates to initially address:

• Get Acquainted - Learn more about each other (habits, values, pet peeves, etc)
• Visitation/Guests - When are guests allowed to be in the room? When it is appropriate to have overnight guests?
• Sleep/Study Schedules - Level of noise and lighting may impact someone's ability to sleep or study
• Common Areas - Cleaning the room, comfortable room temperature, hygiene issues
• Use of Personal Property - Each person's comfort level with sharing their belongings with their roommate (food? clothes? TV? computer? etc)

If a student is facing challenges adjusting to living with a roommate in the Residential Colleges, their first point of contact should be their Resident Assistant. These student leaders are trained to deal with situations or refer them to the Residence Coordinator for their area if the situation is of a more serious nature.

While we encourage students to give a new situation a try we also realize that in order to function as a student they need to feel safe and comfortable in their space. If a student is interested in moving to a different room, they can go to the Department of Residence Halls (located in Eaton Residential College, room 153) to explore their options.