Residence Halls
Living with a Roommate
RoommatesLiving with a roommate
One of the most anticipated events is meeting and living with a roommate. He or she may be from out of state, a different country or just down the road. Having a roommate will be a chance to learn about someone new. Music, hobbies, school, career plans, personal interests – all of it can be explored. Most importantly, though, is that your roommate is someone you can share your WMU experience with. |
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Most students living in the residence halls will have at least one roommate. However, there are rooms that are architecturally larger and can accommodate three or four students in a room. Regardless of the number of roommates you may have, one thing is true: roommate relationships are what you make of them. |
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[Roommate Requests] [Roommate Responsibilities] [Do’s And Don’t's When A Conflict Arises]
Roommate requests
If you already know someone who you want to live with, both of you can request each other as a roommate, and it is in your best interest to apply early. If you do not know whom you would like as a roommate, we will match you with another student. Matches are made based on the way individuals answer questions about their lifestyle and interests on the housing application. Do you wake up early or go to bed late? Do you like your room clean, or doesn't that matter? These and may other considerations are used to match you with another student.
Roommate requests made after May 1 may not be able to be honored. We are not able to take suitemate requests. In early August, you will be notified of the name and contact information of your roommate. Then you can get in touch with each other to discuss who is bringing what and start getting acquainted.
Roommate responsibilities
| • | Make sure your roommate’s right to read, study and sleep are free from undue interference from noise, guests and other distractions. Unreasonable noise and other disturbances inhibit the exercise of this right |
| • | Ask permission before borrowing or using any of your roommate’s possessions such as a stereo or computer |
| • | Receive permission from your roommate before inviting guests to stay overnight. Overnight guests of the opposite sex are not allowed |
| • | Keep your living environment clean |
| • | Allow your roommate free access to the room and facilities without pressure |
| • | Respect your roommate’s right to personal privacy |
| • | Make sure your guests do not violate/invade your roommate’s rights |
| • | Talk to your roommate when something is bothering you |
| • | Listen to your roommate if there is a problem and try to resolve it |
| • | Bring unresolved problems to the attention of the resident assistant, graduate assistant hall director or hall director after you have talked with your roommate |
| • | Respect your roommate’s right to be free from fear of intimidation, physical or emotional harm. Violations will result in disciplinary action |
| • | Treat your roommate as an equal: do not give orders, make unreasonable demands or expect favors |
Do’s and don’t's when a conflict arises
| Do | |
| • | Address the problem immediately |
| • | Be clear and specific about how you see the issue |
| • | Listen carefully to your roommate’s thoughts |
| • | Discuss only the current issue |
| • | Assume your roommate doesn't know when something is bothering you and that you need to tell your roommate |
| • | Keep it between your roommate and you |
| • | Look for a solution to the problem together and generate a list of options to pick from |
| • | Be willing to renegotiate the agreement later as needed |
| • | Help create a situation where both you and your roommate can win |
| • | Talk to your resident assistant, graduate assistant hall director or hall director |
| Don't | |
| • | Wait to address the problem; it will only get bigger |
| • | Involve residents on the floor in roommate issues |
| • | Bring up past problems with the roommate |
| • | Dictate a solution to your roommate |
| • | Create a situation where only one of you can win and the other loses |
