Below are just a few of the many things that you can do to keep your living situation a great one!  If you are struggling with your roommate, please know that you can always talk to your Student Advisor, Community Coordinator, or Hall Director about any issues you are having.  They are trained to assist you in resolving these problems.

GENERAL TIPS:

1. Talk to your roommate: Often times little issues are blown out of control because roommates do not communicate with one another.  It is important to fill out the Roommate Agreement Form early on so that you and your roommate can discuss many of the issues that can cause problems later on.
2. Fill out the Roommate Agreement Form: This form provides a great opportunity for you and your roommate to discuss many of the issues that cause the greatest roommate conflict.  The Roommate Agreement is not binding but does provide great guidance.

3. Visitors:  Set hours that it is ok for friends, significant others, and anyone else to come by.  This may seem pretty basic, but having someone continually stop by at 4 a. m. can get pretty annoying.

4. Keeping the room in order: Set up a cleaning schedule with your roommate(s) and suite mates (if you have them).  This is especially important in regards to bathrooms. 

5. Shared Space: set boundaries about what is okay to borrow and when you need to ask. Also, be sure it is clear what it is never ok to borrow.

HOW TO IDENTIFY IF THERE IS A PROBLEM:

1. If something is bothering you, but you haven’t said anything

2. You notice less communication between you and your roommates

3. There is tension between you and your roommate(s).

4. You have spoken to your roommates about the issue or they have spoken to you and nothing has changed

HOW TO CONFRONT IF THERE IS AN ISSUE:

1. Approach the person directly.  Word travels fast so do not talk behind your roommates back about the issue.

2. Be polite! Do not be demeaning or accusatory when talking with roommates.

3. Explain why it is a problem, and suggest a solution.

4. Share responsibility for the situation. Very few, if any conflicts are all one person’s fault.

5. LISTEN! You are expecting them to listen, be willing to meet your own expectations.

HOW TO HANDLE IT WHEN YOU ARE CONFRONTED ABOUT AN ISSUE:

1. Be willing to listen.

2. Don’t automatically start defending yourself. It took a lot of courage to address you about the situation. Be open and understanding of what your friend/ roommate has to say.

3. Don’t make excuses or pass the blame

4. Be willing to compromise.  Conflicts are best resolved when all
   parties work together to reach a favorable outcome.

5. If you have something on your mind, listen first and then talk about your situation. You are already communicating, keep it going.