Two students sitting in a residence hall room reading books together
  1. Directory
  2. Departments, Offices and Centers
  3. Residential Life
  4. Resources for New Students
  5. Living with a Roommate

Living with a Roommate

Having a roommate(s) goes beyond merely sharing a living space. Building a workable roommate situation requires open communication, honesty, and commitment. This may take time and effort, but it will also be one of your most valuable educational experiences beyond the classroom. The responsibility for developing a living environment compatible to all individuals belongs to each roommate.

While you and your roommate are bound to have some things in common, you will also have many differences. In order to learn from these differences, make an effort to learn about your roommate's background and to share a bit of yours as well.

Topics for discussion

Sharing a room requires flexibility and equal consideration. Many decisions will involve compromise, from arranging the room to figuring out study situations. Discussing the following topics with your roommate will help you and your roommate(s) reach an understanding and establish a comfortable environment.
  • Is neatness important to your roommate(s)?
  • How do you feel about borrowing or sharing things (refrigerator, stereo, television etc.)?
  • What is okay to borrow, what is not?
  • Will you both have equal access to the computer, stereo, television, etc., no matter who brought them?