Living with a Roommate

Whether you know your roommate(s) before you move in together or not, good communication is essential to having a positive relationship and living environment, therefore choosing wisely when selecting a roommate is important. Being able to discuss issues and concerns in a positive manner will help to lessen the possibility of conflicts arising later on. Learning each others’ living style and accepting each others’ differences will hopefully enable you to avoid conflicts in the future and help to maintain open lines of communication between you, your roommate(s) and neighbors will help to resolve issues that may arise. It is helpful to sit down and discuss any concerns either of you may have and come to a mutual agreement when you first move in together.

Remember to:

Respect each other’s right to sleep and study without interference
Respect your roommate’s personal space and the right to a place to live, sleep and study without interference from noise, lights, etc. when having guests over
Everyone should be responsible for keeping the house or apartment clean
Respect your roommate’s property, including food, CDs, and clothing
Respect your roommate’s privacy
Resolve conflicts peacefully, without physical, verbal or mental harm to others

Consider the following then discuss them with your roommate(s):

A good time for me to study is…..
What type of study environment do you prefer…..
My usual sleeping hours are…..
How do you feel about borrowing/sharing clothes, food items, computer, CDs, money, cars, other personal items…..
How will you handle housekeeping duties…..
What does “clean” mean to you….. How do you feel about someone smoking inside or outside…..
How do you feel about someone drinking alcohol inside or outside…..
How do you feel about someone possessing/using illegal drugs…..
What are your social habits…..
How do you feel about your roommates’ friends visiting and overnight guests…..
How will you divide rent and utility payments and when are they due…..
When and how much privacy do you prefer…..
How do you feel about indoor or outdoor pets (where allowed)…..
When a conflict arises with your roommate(s), how will you resolve it…..
When you are upset, how will you express your concerns to your roommate(s)….
When your roommate(s) is upset, how do you address him/her and the situation….

Current News:

Considering living off campus next year?
Attend the Off-Campus Housing Fair and find what you’re looking for!
Rental properties from across the Tuscaloosa/Northport area will be represented at the fair.
January 14, 2009
10:30am – 1:30pm
Ferguson Center Main Floor