Orientation
Keeping the Peace
How To Get Along With Your Roommate
Smile
Show some warmth and friendliness to your roommate.
Use humor
Humor is a good way to break tension. Make points in a non-threatening manner.
Be respectful
Don’t criticize your roommate’s tastes or opinions; you both are individuals and should be treated with respect.
Be understanding
Your roommate is a human being; spats may occur, but do your best to work through problems, understanding the reasons.
Be a friend
Include your roommate in activities, or at least give an invitation.
Be open-minded
Differences are a good thing; they make people unique and interesting. Try to get to know your roommate.
Be honest
If you make a mistake: break something, throw an important paper away, etc., then just say so. Don’t lie.
Respect your roommate’s property and space
You will want your roommate to do the same.
Take phone messages seriously
Always write down messages for your roommate and leave them where they can be seen.
Always communicate
If something bothers you, just say so, but say it nicely. Good communication is the key to having a great roommate relationship.
Give and take
Often, roommates share common items. If you share, always do your part to re-supply.
ALWAYS ASK FIRST
Again, it is always better to ask to borrow your roommate's things, even if you were earlier told it was okay to use them. It's best to prevent miscommunications.
Don’t be a know-it-all
Sometimes, it’s okay to lose. Don’t try to win every argument, disagreement, or checkers game; sometimes, it’s best to just let some things go.
Don’t take sides
When your roommate gets in a fight with his/her best friend, parents, or whomever, don't take sides; try to stay neutral, since the angry feelings may not last.
Nothing illegal in your room
Having or doing something illegal in your room, without your roommate’s knowledge, puts BOTH of you at risk of getting into trouble.
Pay your bills
If you are going to share the phone, cable, or newspapers, put both names on the bill so that both of you are responsible if the bill doesn’t get paid; money issues can sour a good roommate relationship fast.
Cultivate other friendships
Don’t rely on your roommate to be your sole source of social activity. Develop a wider social network through involvement in sports or clubs.
A roommate from hell
It happens: We all have different personalities and beliefs, and because of this, you and your roommate may not be able to live together. If you find that your roommate is harassing you, stealing from you, or becoming violent, get out. Report the problem to your RA or RC.
