Roommate Guide
Living with a roommate for the first time can seem overwhelming and a little bit scary. It’s usually a big change for everyone involved and it can take time to make things work. But don’t worry! Your Residence Life Team have all been in the same situation, and together, we have compiled a list of tips that helped us the most when we were living with our roommate.
So whether you’re going through a rough patch and need some guidance, or whether you already get along with your roommate but want things to go even better, we are here to help!
Check out our top ten roommate tips!
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Start a conversation on Day 1!Start your residence experience on a good note and start a conversation with your roommate. First impressions are important to make sure you make the best one you can. Talk to your roommate and Resident Advisor to schedule a time for a roommate agreement if you haven’t completed one yet. |
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Communicate Communicate CommunicateThe most important tip is to communicate with your roommate. Talking face-to-face usually works best but if you and your roommate agree you could use another method like texting. We encourage you to make sure you have agreed on expectations around respect and kindness no matter how you communicate. |
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Sharing is CaringWhat are you going to share and what is off limits? Items like toasters, kettles, coffee makers, and anything else in a common area that you’d consider sharing should be discussed. Discuss what is an option to share and also the expectations around sharing (keeping it clean and in good condition, when it can be used, asking first, etc.) |
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Taking out the TrashOne of the main sources of tension can come from roommates not taking out the garbage. You could choose to set a schedule for taking the communal trash out and talk to each other respectfully if (or when) one of you ever forgets, we all make mistakes! |
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GuestsTalk about visitors, and how they are to act in your suite. It is good to talk about things like: |
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Party Time!Before starting your experience you should try to get on the same page with your roommate about what you want Residence to be. Complete your roommate agreement and discuss when it is appropriate to make noise and when you both prefer that the space is a bit quieter. |
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Getting up vs. Sleeping inTalking about your sleep schedules can be useful when planning for visitors or louder activities such as playing music. This can also help with mornings, as keeping quiet while your roommate is sleeping is considerate. |
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Do Not DisturbIt is also important to talk about what would happen if one of the roommates starts a relationship and how often their partner may come over. It’s important to talk about what is considered PDA, how to notify each other when you may want some time alone, and how to give notice when a partner would be over. |
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Study TimeTalk about when you will want study time with your roommate. Set times where you and your roommate can study silent and times where more noise is acceptable. |
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Turn it Down!Volume on devices. What is too loud, what is okay? Set clear volume expectations with your roommate so no one is disturbed. We love binge watching TV shows too but your roommate may prefer they don’t hear it through the walls. |
Conflict Resolution
If you are struggling with living with your roommate, we encourage you to communicate the issues to them and work through them together.
The Roommate Mediation Process
Step One: Talk to Your Roommate
The first step anytime you have a concern with your roommate is to talk to them directly. It is important to use respectful language, avoid the temptation to assume the worst about them, and keep an open mind to possible solutions.
Step Two: Talk to Your Resident Advisor
The first thing your RA will ask is whether or not you have discussed your concerns with your roommate directly so be sure to do complete step one first! Your RA can provide you some tips on how to approach the situation if that would be helpful for you, too.
If talking to your roommate directly doesn’t work, the next step is to loop in your RA who can help the two of you revisit and revise your roommate contract. They can also help create a comfortable place for the two of you to discuss the situation.
Step Three: Mediation with Residence Life Coordinator
If you have talked to your roommate directly and your RA has supported but issues are still happening – don’t panic! Sometimes it can take a few tries to sort things out. You should schedule a meeting with your Residence Life Coordinator or contact them via email to receive further support: residencelife@algonquinresidence.ca
You can expect the following from a roommate mediation:
- Both students will be expected to participate in the mediation process respectfully and with an open mind.
- The Residence Life Coordinator may meet with both roommates separately before a mediation to develop a better understanding of each person’s perspectives.
- One or more meetings will take place where you and your roommate will meet together with the Residence Life Coordinator to work through the presenting concerns.
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