How to deal with roomies

Make a roommate agreement.
“It is important to take the roommate agreement seriously,” said Bob Weith, director of residential operations for Residential Programs and Services. “And if bumps arise, the resident assistant is the resource person to bounce challenges off of.”

Communication is key.
“Take time to listen to your roommate about what’s important to them,” RPS residence manager Sara Ivey Lucas said.

Discuss WHAT IS bothering you.
Eighty percent of roommates do not know that their roommate is unhappy, Ivey Lucas said. For instance, if your roommate is having sex while you are in the room, do not let it slide.

“There is a way you can make it work,” Ivey Lucas said. “There is a way you can enjoy your privacy while not being grossed out. You need to have those conversations.”  

Don’t sweat THE small stuff.
“When you are sharing a living space, you need to learn how to ignore some things while not ignoring the person,” Ivey Lucas said.