Roommate Relationships
Wellness Services: Home | Getting Help | Information & Resources | Massage Therapy | Outreach Programming | Special Events | Wellness Resource Lab & Library
Living in the residence halls with a roommate is part of college life for nearly every college student. For those who grew up having their own room, sharing a 12 by 16 foot room with another individual can be a strain. Let's face it, even if you grew up having to share your personal space, life in a college dormitory can be an adjustment. Students may find it difficult to escape for some alone time when their only "personal space" is shared with another. Your roommate may have grown up with different values, customs, or family traditions. You may not agree on how best to arrange the room. Whatever the stumbling blocks, roommates CAN overcome their differences and have a great residence hall experience. And who knows…maybe you'll hit it off immediately and feel you've met your long, lost twin!
The single most important factor in building a good roommate relationship has got to be communication. Your roommate might seem like a rocket scientist, but he/she cannot read your mind! It is also imperative not to make assumptions (such as "it's okay that I just raid her closet," or "he won't mind if I borrow his CDs," or "it's not a big deal if my friends come to hang out in our room three times a week.") about how your roommate feels about certain issues. After all, assumptions aren't always correct and conflict could arise. If conflict is identified early on, an agreement can be reached through compromise before anything major develops. SO…
- Communicate
- Don't Assume
- Be Willing To Compromise
| Resident Rights |
|---|
As part of a residence hall community, roommates have some inherent rights that should
be upheld and respected at all times. These rights are not confined to the residence hall room, but extend
into the residence hall, fostering a healthy community for everyone. A respectful community begins with
respecting one's own roommate.
|
| Working to Create a Positive Roommate Relationship |
|---|
Small things can go a long way when it comes to lifting someone's spirit. Try some of these ideas to add a little happiness to your roommate's day!
|
| Getting Acquainted with your Roomie |
|---|
Back to that crazy concept of communication, if you don't talk to your roommate and ask get-to-know-you questions, all you will simply be is roommates…not chums, not buddies, not friends. Be the first to break the ice with some of these questions.
As you begin to learn about your roommate, you may want to ask questions that require more thought. These questions may help to alleviate some miscommunication and conflict later.
|