Roommates

Your roommate can help define your college experience. Whether it’s an old friend or someone you have just met, having a roommate will give you the chance to learn something new about yourself and about other people. Most students living in the residence hall will have at least one roommate. The resident hall is co-ed but single sex when it comes to rooms. Therefore, female students will have female roommates, and male students will have male roommates. Regardless how many roommates you have, you have to create a living situation that works for everyone. Having a good roommate relationship relies on everyone being willing to get to know and respect each other. To steer clear of conflict, there has to be communication, compromise, and understanding.

Choosing Your Roommate

Do you have one or more roommates in mind? Would you like to live with a teammate or someone you knew from high school? You can request to be in the same room when you submit your housing application! Make sure to apply early, and it’s helpful if everyone applies at the same time. If you want to live with someone new, we will match you with another student. We will even try to match you with a student from another part of the country or even another part of the world, just note that on your application. Matches are based on how you answer lifestyle questions on your application.

For example:

• Do you wake up early or go to bed late?
• Do you like your space clean, or is a little mess not a big deal?
• What type of music do you like?
• Someone who has the same major?
• Do you prefer a smoker/non-smoker?

I understand that smoking is not permitted in the buildings on campus, or within 25 feet including the residence hall, and due to personal choice, allergies or sensitivities.

Roommate Agreement

At Residence Hall Orientation, all first year students are given a Roommate Living Agreement to be completed by all parties in the room. It is intended to provide a basis for roommates to communicate and share living space.

Here are a few suggestions that will make establishing your living agreement easier:

• Be honest.
• Be willing to compromise.
• Know what is reasonable.
• Work on what you can agree upon; then ask your resident assistant (RA) to help mediate, if necessary.
• Set a date to review the agreement and make any necessary revisions to best accommodate all parties.

Know Your Resources

We have trained staff (resident assistants) to help students deal with roommate concerns. Don't be afraid to ask for help, although there is a high success rate, not everyone can live together successfully. Know who to go to when previous communications have broken down. Our trained staff is here to help make your stay enjoyable! 

Have Fun

Living in a residence hall should be a fun and rewarding experience. Sure there are rules, but they are designed to help make your stay safe, while being fun and enjoyable. Get to know your neighbors and building residents and make the most of this experience.