Roommates and Roommate Concerns
Every aspect of living in the residence halls is an extension of the educational services that the College offers. In addition to programming, the personal growth that can be gained from living with other people can be enormously enriching and is a realistic learning experience for the future.
The key to having a successful relationship with your roommate(s) is communication. Unless you are able to articulate your wants and needs appropriately, your roommate may easily overlook them. Be sure to tell your roommate(s) about yourself – your habits, preferences, and the kind of lifestyle you are accustomed to leading. It will be easier to reach a workable compromise when differences arise if you understand what is important to each other.
Living with roommates isn’t always easy. Sharing a living space may be stressful, and concerns may arise. Sometimes situations that work at the beginning of the year become more difficult as the year goes on; remember that college is a time when students grow and change which can certainly impact even the healthiest of roommate relationships. It is perfectly normal to have roommate concerns.
Many concerns can be resolved easily with mature and respectful conversation between roommates. Other concerns may be more difficult to resolve and may require assistance through a formal mediation process. In extreme cases, concerns may not be able to be resolved resulting in a room change for one or both roommates. The College expect students to make a sincere and collaborative effort to work through the concerns, clearly communicate the concerns, and develop strong conflict management or coping skills in the process.
Residence Life offers a number of resources to students facing roommate concerns. Roommate concerns are initially handled by the student’s Resident Advisor and may rise to the level of a professional staff member. It is important to note that the College expects students, not parents, to work through roommate concerns.
Students may not allow anyone to occupy a room who is not assigned to that space. Switching room assignments without administrative approval is prohibited. Subletting in the residence halls is strictly prohibited.
Room assignments may not be changed without first consulting Residence Life Staff and there is a “room freeze” during the first and last two weeks of each semester to allow staff to ascertain an accurate occupancy report.