Roommate Connections
For many students, sharing a room with another person is a new experience and an important opportunity to develop communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution skills.
Connecting With Roommates
Whether roommates have been friends for years or are meeting for the first time during Move-In Weekend, differences in personalities, habits, and expectations are normal. Building a positive roommate relationship through open communication, mutual respect, and trust can help roommates navigate challenges and create a successful living experience.
Before arriving on campus, connect with your assigned roommate using the contact information provided through the housing system. These communications and discussions provide a strong foundation for completing the Roommate Agreement and establishing a positive living environment.
Tips for Getting to Know Your Roommate
College is a great place to meet new people. If you've never met your assigned roommate, reach out to them via your Jack’s email. Be sure to check your email for messages from your roommate too.
Break the Ice
Start by introducing yourself and by asking easy questions.
- What’s your major?
- Where is your hometown?
- What are your hobbies?
- What is your favorite movie?
- What were you involved with in high school?
After getting to know your roommate a little bit better, you can start asking deeper questions related to what it will be like to live together.
- Are you a morning or night person?
- How do you define clean vs dirty, organized vs messy?
- What’s your ideal living space look like?
- How do you feel about having friends over?
- How do you feel about others spending the night?
- Do you want a TV in the room? Video games, noise, etc.
- Where do you like to do your school work?
Move-In Weekend is full of activities and can be stressful. Having these conversations now will help you and your roommate feel more comfortable right away and can take some nerves away.
Another good conversation to have with your roommate is deciding who will bring what for the room. For example, you both do not need to bring a futon- that would take up too much space in your room! Deciding who brings what will save both you and your roommate time and energy. Some items that are typically only brought by one person are the futon or couch, microwave, mini-fridge, tv, tv stand, and other larger items. It is also important to talk about what the two of you want in your space and how you plan to set up your room.