Welcome Week

Roommate Tips

For students living on campus or those living off campus with a roommate - here are some ways to ensure a healthy start to your roommate relationship:

  • Get to know your roommate before move-in. We suggest you start with an e-mail and then exchange phone numbers to continue your conversation.
  • Attend Welcome Week events together, and continue to make time for each other as you move further into the semester. The key to a good roommate relationship is communication which starts with relationship building. You don't have to be best friends, but it's important that you get along.
  • If you live on campus, you are recommended to complete a Community Agreement (pdf - 212 K). This document is created with specific questions for you to answer and decide on as roommates. It's your chance to set ground rules for your room.
  • If you live off campus with a roommate, having a conversation about expectations similar to the Community Agreement will be important. Be sure to discuss your preferences and establish expectations early on. This way, when an issue arises, you have something to fall back on and guide your conversation.
  • Be willing to compromise.
  • Communicate with your roommates and be honest when something bothers you - in a constructive way.
  • Be wary about involving non-roommates/friends in roommate issues. This can often backfire and cause even more conflict between roommates.
  • We are all coping with COVID-19 pandemic differently, so try not to be offended if your roommates or friends are less likely to share items with you - from pens to snacks to other belongings. Have a conversation about what items you feel comfortable sharing (if any) and how often you will sanitize/clean the room.

Dance Group

Lastly, reach out if you find yourself getting to a point where you don't know where to go next. For on campus students, your Resident Assistant is a great resource to help mediate roommate issues. For commuter students, reach out to your Peer Mentor, Orientation Leader, or the Dean of Students Office for guidance. Happy rooming! 

Go Eagles!