Roommate Agreement

Roommate Agreement

The roommate agreement is an important document that helps roommates establish clear expectations and guidelines for living together. It covers practical items such as quiet hours, cleaning responsibilities, sharing space, and communication preferences. By openly discussing and agreeing upon these items, roommates can prevent misunderstandings and address any potential conflicts in a respectful manner. The roommate agreement promotes a cooperative and comfortable living environment, making it an essential tool for fostering positive roommate relationships and a more enjoyable on-campus living experience.

The first question on your roommate agreement will ask you to list each resident according to their bed space letter. In some apartments, this is clearly labeled on the bedroom doorframe. If there is no label, or there are two letters, please identify yourselves using the letters A, B, C, D and E (as many as are applicable). For example: A – Kiley; B – Dakota; C – Jordan; D - Parker

Roommate Tips & Tricks

The following information is provided to give you a positive, proactive approach to living with a roommate. Usually roommates get along just fine, but when they don't, it is important to deal with the problems as soon as they arise. Please take the time to talk with your roommate now. After you get to campus, there are several resources to help address a situation, if necessary. Resident Mentors (RMs) have been trained to assist with roommate concerns. If discussing your concerns with your roommate is unsuccessful, you are encouraged to talk with your Resident Mentor (RM), Hall Manager (HM) or Area Coordinator (AC). When you arrive to campus, your Resident Mentor (RM) will have you and your roommate(s) complete a Roommate Agreement form via Roompact. Be sure to walk through these discussion items and topics prior to move in.

Log In to Roompact

Basic Suggestions:

• Try to get to know each other better.
• Be open: ask, listen, discuss. Don’t wait until things escalate.
• Treat your roommate as an equal.
• Respect your roommate’s right to privacy or personal time alone.
• Be sensitive to each other’s moods. Everyone has bad days, so try to understand when your roommate has one.
• Avoid trying to "reform" or correct your roommate. Don’t expect them to conform to your standards or accept your beliefs.
• Respect your roommate’s right to study.
• Don’t cause interruptions or make unnecessary noise.
• Work out the division of chores. Don’t wait for your roommate to take care of the housekeeping.
• Discuss use of personal property such as computers, cell phones, clothing, food and other items.

Roommate Discussion Items

The following roommate discussion items will allow you to get a better understanding of the person/people you will be living with this semester/year. It is important to speak honestly and listen with an open mind, so you can come to agreements on the various topics below. Please discuss what is important to you and how that applies to guests as well. If anything is unclear, be sure to ask for clarification.

Items to discuss:

This list of discussion items isn't complete. If there is anything else you want to know about your roommates, or would like to share, it's better to do so sooner rather than later to avoid problems later on.

• Decorations in common areas
• Arrangement of furniture
• Hygiene (showering/laundry)
• Level of cleanliness
• Noise level (what is loud?)
• Preferred name and pronouns
• How to confront each other
• Significant others/relationships
• Physical displays of affection/sexual behavior
• Appropriate/offensive language
• Spiritual interests
• Family or cultural traditions/practices
• Alcohol, smoking, drugs, etc.
• Personal values
• Security and privacy
• Personal phone calls

Don’t forget to also talk about...

Who we are and our view of the world is influenced by our background, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, values, etc. You're encouraged to reflect on how these identities affect who you are. Share with each other to the degree that you are comfortable. Understand that these are deeply personal and you should not force your roommate to share items that they are uncomfortable with or share confidential information with others.

• What are you like when you are upset or angry?
• How do you let others know when you are upset or angry?
• What cheers you up when you are not having a good day?
• When are times you would prefer to be alone?
• How do you act when you are stressed or pressured?
• What are your pet peeves or other things that annoy you?

All About Roommates

Usually roommates get along just fine, but when they do not get along, it is important to deal with the problems as soon as they arise. Please take the time to talk with your roommate now. If necessary, there are several resources to help address a situation. Resident Mentors (RMs) have been trained to assist with roommate concerns. If discussing your concerns with your roommate is unsuccessful, you are encouraged to talk with your Resident Mentor (RM), Hall Manager (HM) or Area Coordinator (AC). When you arrive to campus, your Resident Mentor (RM) will have you and your roommate(s) complete a Roommate Agreement form.

Roommates can be self-selected or assigned based on your housing preferences. Roommate preferences may be updated after you have contracted for housing. If problems occur, you should make all efforts necessary to solve the problems between yourselves. Your Resident Assistant is available to assist you with roommate issues at any time.