Resources

Roommate Discussion

Discussion Point – Food / Shopping: 
Things to Discuss: If you plan to share food, supplies, etc. You may want to consider an agreement about who is purchasing necessity things frequently (such as milk, bread, etc.) and any rotation you may have for who will be supplying groceries or not. Keep in mind any allergies that you may want to discuss.

Discussion Point – Cleanliness / Cleaning Responsibilities:
Things to Discuss: Discuss who will clean the common areas of the suite and who will be responsible for general cleanliness of the suite etc, (dishes, dusting, clean-up, etc.)

Discussion Point – Privacy: 
Things to Discuss: Times as to when you may want to have privacy and what the arrangement will be for being equal and respectful to each other’s privacy.

Discussion Point – Sharing of Personal Items:
Things to Discuss: What you agree to share or not share (ie. Dishes, utensils, CDs, books, clothing, paper towel, toilet paper, computers, appliances, etc.) Discuss if you do need to ask permission to use these items. Set guidelines and limits for sharing.

Discussion Point – Noise / Study Times:
Things to Discuss: Having guests over, how frequently both of you plan to study each week, and what you both plan to do in the suite while one is studying and to promote healthy study habits. Discuss how often in a week friends can come over, how many, and how you plan to notify your roommate when you expect guests. For noise, discuss when you plan to study, and if the TV or stereo can be on during that time. What time is reasonable to be quiet during the week and weekends.

Discussion Point – Overnight Guests:
Things to Discuss: How frequently you plan to have overnight guests, how far in advance you want to be told about whether your roommate is having an overnight guest, any limitations to when a guest can or cannot stay over (ie. Mid-terms, exams) and any rules that will be enforced to respect each other’s privacy.

Discussion Point – Smoking, Drinking, Drugs:
Things to Discuss: Your drinking habits and how they may affect each other, and that both roommates understand the no smoking or drug-use policy. If one roommate is a smoker, you should discuss ways to reduce the smell of smoke that may remain in clothing and inhibit your roommate’s enjoyment of the suite.

Discussion Point – Parties / Entertainment:
Things to Discuss: How frequently you both plan to party in Residence and how social both of you are. If both of you don’t see eye-to-eye on this area, you may need to discuss ways that you can both find a common ground that will be reasonable and conducive to both of your enjoyment with the Residence experience.

Discussion Point – Socials / Entertainment:
Things to Discuss: How frequently you both plan to socialize in Residence. If both of you don’t see eye-to-eye on this area, you may need to discuss ways that you can both find a common ground that will be reasonable and conducive to both roommates’ enjoyment of the Residence experience.