Getting Along with Your Roommate

Ready for a roomie?

Whether you plan to room with a lifelong friend or be matched to a roommate through U of I, moving in with someone new can take some adjusting. Here are a few tips to help you and your roommate get started off on the right foot.

Start talking early

Good communication is the key to success with roommates. Start the conversation now and keep it going throughout your time living together. Find what style best for both of you: emails, texts, calls, Skype, FaceTime or whatever else works. Add each other on social media to see what interests or friends you have in common. If you live close to each other, you might even be able to meet in person before move-in.

Get to know each other

You might not become best friends right away, but you’ll likely at least get along. Find out what you have in common, explore campus together or go to fun events. There are a ton of events during the first few weeks of college where you can bond with your roomie(s) — volunteer at SYNC, check out student activities at Palousafest or relax and watch a Screen on the Green movie. Make memories!

Set expectations

It’s good to establish boundaries. Be clear up front about what’s okay and what’s not. It helps to actually sit down and have a conversation to lay down some ground rules. You may even want to write them down so you can remember later what you agreed to. In the end, it all boils down to mutual respect.

Don’t let things fester

No living situation is perfect. You’re bound to face a few challenges. Tackle issues head-on. If you need help, talk with your hall’s resident assistant or, if you live with a Greek chapter, a chapter officer or advisor. They're trained to help you work out your problems.