HOUSING, RESIDENCE LIFE & GREEK LIFE

Guide to Roommate Success

Like most new college students you are probably curious about what it is going to be like to live in a residence hall with a roommate or roommates. Most students are used to having a room of their own at home. Add to this the fact that you have never lived away from home, or coped with the stress of university academics. These facts could present a challenge, but it is easy to have a successful roommate relationship.

You and your roommate have most likely come to college with different experiences, beliefs and customs. Differences can be exciting and educational, but they can also present new challenges.

Communication is the key to roommate success. Start by becoming acquainted with each other so you know what to expect. Some of the goals of sharing a room are to create an atmosphere where both your personal and academic needs can be met, and it is also nice if a friendship can develop as well! It is important to remember that your roommate/suitemates/apartment mates are not going to be just like you. You will need to adjust and compromise.

"I was so nervous about meeting my roommate face to face. But when I did meet her, I was relieved because she was awesome." - Kristen Sycamore, OH

Keys to Being a Good Roommate:

• Talk to each other before arriving at school
• Start with the basics, like who is bringing what to the room
• Talk to each other with no outside distractions
• Don't feel like you have to be best friends
• Keep your sense of humor
• Borrow only with permission
• Give studying and sleeping top priority
• Take accurate phone messages
• Discuss potential areas of conflict
• Be open to compromise
• Be considerate of each other's privacy
• Be honest
• If differences cannot be resolved, talk it over with a Residence Life staff member