Roommate and Community Living

Keys to a Healthy Roommate Relationship

Your relationship with your roommate plays a major role in your academic success. While every shared living situation is different, keeping these four principles in mind can help build and maintain a healthy roommate relationship. For an easy recap of these principles, download and share Living with a Roommate Guide in your living space.

Expectations:

Many roommate conflicts begin when expectations about behavior aren’t discussed. Set clear expectations early—especially around chores, quiet hours, and shared spaces—to help prevent misunderstandings.

Communication:

The most successful roommate relationships prioritize open, honest, and respectful communication. Share your needs and concerns clearly and take time to actively listen to one another.

Flexibility:

Everyone has different routines and responsibilities, and unexpected challenges can come up. Staying flexible and open to new approaches helps you adapt and find creative solutions together.

Respect:

We may have different needs, priorities, and perspectives, but respect is essential. Treat your roommate as you’d like to be treated—kindly, fairly, and with understanding.

Roommate Agreements, Concerns, and Room Changes

Living Agreements are required documents completed by you and your roommate(s) with guidance from your Resident Assistant. These are often called Apartment Living Agreements (ALA) or Resident Living Agreements (RLA).

Useful tips for your Living Agreement:

  • Think about sleep schedules.
  • Determine cleanliness expectations.
  • Discuss study habits and noise levels.
  • Decide how to share or store common items (like food, dishes, or furniture).
  • Plan how you’ll communicate if conflicts or concerns arise.
  • If you experience unfair or uncomfortable behavior in your living space, you can talk to any Residential Life staff member. They’ll listen and connect you with the right resources for support.
  • If you’re not comfortable in your room, apartment or floor community, reach out to your Resident Assistant (RA) or Area Coordinator (AC). Staff can help facilitate a conversation or mediation with your roommates to reset expectations and improve communication.
  • If issues continue and you’re unable to stay in your current space, your Area Coordinator can discuss possible housing options with you. While we encourage residents to work through differences when possible, your safety and well-being come first.
  • If your Area Coordinator is unavailable within a reasonable time, you can start a Room Change Request by downloading and completing the form in the Student Housing Portal.
  • If your concern involves discrimination, harassment, or identity-based harm, visit Rights, Inclusion & Support.

Room change requests are reviewed based on the reason for the request:

  • Roommate conflicts – handled by the Office of Residential Life
  • Financial circumstances – handled by the Student Housing Office

*Please note: room change requests are not processed during the first two weeks of the semester.

In some cases, mediation with your RA or another Residential Life staff member may be required before a room move is approved. During mediation, all residents involved will have the opportunity to share concerns and collaborate on a mutually agreeable solution.

When ready to submit a request, log into the Student Housing Portal and select “Request a Room Change.”

If a vacancy occurs in your room or your apartment, please review the Community Living Standards for guidance.