Successful residence hall and apartment living depends on understanding different lifestyles and respecting the rights of others. Listed below are rights and courtesies to help you, your roommate, and other hall residents adjust to the community living environment.
Residents have the right to study and sleep without interference, noise or distractions.
Residents have the right to personal privacy.
Residents have the right to live in a clean environment.
Residents have the right to have guests, but must take responsibility for their guests' behavior.
Residents have the right to express their concerns to the Residence Life staff.
Residents must respect their roommates' belongings.
Residents have the right to their own unique interests and values.
Residents have the right to be free of intimidation and physical or emotional harm.
Residents have a right to be treated as they want to be treated.
The best way to get off to a good start with your roommate is to spend time sharing personal information and discussing the use of your room. Begin by talking about your majors, reasons for choosing Winthrop, families, hobbies, and interests. You will need to talk about study and sleep time. How clean do you want to keep your room? How much noise can you handle when studying? Do you participate in a lot of social activities or would you rather stay home? How often do you want guests in the room? How much time do you need by yourself? How do you feel about sharing personal items? The important thing to remember is that you do not need to agree on everything. Be considerate. There will be times when you and your roommate will not be the ideal person with whom to live. You roommate does not have to be your best friend. Talk to your roommate about whatever is on your mind. Be honest about something that is bothering you, but try to be tactful. Don't assume your roommate knows how you are feeling. Remember, communication is the key to a successful roommate relationship.
Your R.A. has community agreement materials available to help you get the communication started between you and your roommate/suitemates. If a problem develops between roommates, your R.A. can sit down with you and your roommate(s) and help resolve the situation.
