As a first-year student you were matched with your roommate because of your common interests and habits that you reported on your Housing Questionnaire. With that being said, you and your roommate will have some differences. To insure that these differences do not cause roommate conflict, you should be open and respectful of each other.
Also be sure to set ground rules (from day one) dealing with how each of you would prefer to live in your shared space. Sit down and have a conversation that will let each of you have a better idea of what is expected of you. It may also be helpful to discuss some of these things before you arrive at school. You will have time to contact your roommate during the early weeks of August. To prepare for this conversation, brainstorm a list of questions to ask each other as well as a list of what bothers you or other things you feel are important to share with your roommate.
Example Questions and topics to address:
Sleeping habits: When do you usually go to bed and wake up? Do you like to take naps? Are you a morning or night time person?
Free time activities: What do you like to do for fun? Are you involved in a sport? What do you want to get involved in this year?
Study Habits: How do you handle stress? How do you like study? Are you a procrastinator? Do you plan to pull all-nighters?
Cleaning habits: How neat are you? What are your expectations of me in regards to cleaning habits? How should we go about keeping up our room?
Sharing and Borrowing: Do you feel comfortable sharing clothes, food, appliances, music, personal hygiene items, electronic equipment, computers, books, etc.? Which items are/ are not appropriate to share or borrow? Would you prefer if I ask to borrow an item before I use it?
Visitors and Guests: Are there any times when you would prefer not to have guests in the room? (Also friends of the opposite gender). Do you prefer advance notice when I plan to have guests? What about overnight quests? Can visitors sit on your bed?
Entertainment and Noise: How loud can I listen to music? Are there certain times when you prefer it to be quiet? What kind of movies do you like? What's your favorite type of music? What is your favorite T.V. show/ movie/ book?
Phone Etiquette: Where should messages be left for you? Do you mind if I talk on the phone for extended periods of time?
Substance Usage: Do you smoke? How do you feel about alcohol and other substances?
Other Questions: How should we communicate when there is a problem? What are your pet peeves? What do you want to get out of your college experience? What are you most nervous about?
