Selecting A Roommate

Considering rooming together? Things to think about!

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Below please find general thoughts and questions to consider when making a roommate choice. Your choice of roommates will affect you for more than 9 months. Agreeing to room with someone just for their priority number may work out but discussing the following questions openly and honestly will be a better predictor of successful roommates.

Care for Others

• When will study times in your room be?
• During study times, is phone use okay? Is the television on or off? The stereo? The computer?
• When will sleep times in your room be?
• During sleep times, are the lights on or off? The television? The stereo? The computer? Is phone use okay?
• Where will messages for each other be posted?
• What steps will you take to respect each other's privacy?

Respect for Authority

• Are guests allowed in the room during study times? During sleep times? During dress/bathing times? Overnight?
• Are there other times that guests are not allowed?
• If you want guests to leave, how will you let each other know?
• Are guests of the opposite gender allowed overnight?
• How much notice should you give each other when you would like someone to stay overnight?

Responsible Use of Property

• What does cleaning include? Dusting? Vacuuming? The dishes? Taking out trash? Cleaning the bathroom? The kitchen? Anything else?
• Will you clean your half of the room? Create a cleaning schedule?
• In accordance with university policies, will drinking be allowed in your room?
• Will the doors be locked and closed when you are home?
• What steps will you take to eliminate locking each other out?
  

Personal Integrity

• Is it okay for roommates or guests to use your things (like the television, stereo, clothes, food, etc)?
• Will the room have cable? If so, how will the bills be paid?
• How will you handle damage occurring to others' belongings? How quickly should this response take place?
• How will you approach each other if you have a concern, including but not limited to violations of this agreement? How quickly should this response take place?
• Do you have additional concerns not covered by the above questions?