Living with Roommates

Before you move in

2. Coordinate who’s bringing what

Decide together which shared items to bring (e.g., MicroFridge, fan, coffee maker). Only one person needs to rent the MicroFridge; you can also split the cost of things like an air purifier or fan.

Before you move in

3. Pack with shared space in mind

Resist the urge to overpack! You can always shop on campus or nearby after you arrive.

DO bring earplugs, a sleep mask, and headphones (for different sleep schedules or late-night studying).

DO pack a few personal items (small photos, a plant) to make your area feel like home without crowding the room.

DON’T bring bulky items (like furniture!)—your room comes furnished with a bed, desk, wardrobe/dresser, and bookshelf.

Before you move in

4. Exchange emergency info

If you’re comfortable, share emergency contact names and phone numbers. Let your roommates know about any serious allergies, medical conditions, or accessibility needs. That way, everyone knows how to help if something unexpected happens.

Arrival and early days

5. Create a simple roommate agreement 

Your RA or Neighborhood Assistant (NA) may offer a roommate agreement form. Fill it out together—even a quick version helps you:

• Agree on quiet hours and sleep schedules
• Divide cleaning tasks
• List items you’re happy to share and what’s off-limits
• Set guest guidelines
• Outline how to handle disagreements

Arrival and early days

6. Explore together

Campus can be tricky to navigate for the first time! Find your classes as a group before the first day. Work together to find the quickest routes to a few favorite spots—like the McHenry Library, cafes, and dining halls. Take a short hike on a nearby trail, visit Pacific Avenue downtown, or check out a campus event together. Shared adventures break the ice and can help you bond as a group.

Settling into everyday life

7. Roommate etiquette 101

These small, everyday habits keep things respectful, comfortable, and low-stress for everyone.

• Ask before borrowing—even small things like scissors or snacks.
• Use headphones for music, video, calls, or games. 
• Clean up after yourself.
• Send a quick text if you plan to have friends over, so others aren’t surprised by noise or extra people.

Settling into everyday life

8. Address issues early

All roommates run into bumps now and then—that’s just part of sharing space. What matters is how you respond when something’s bothering you:

• Pause before reacting. 
• Reflect on what’s annoying you and why.
• Use “I” statements instead of blaming: “I feel stressed when the room is messy.”
• Listen without interrupting.
• Ask for help if things don’t improve—your RA is trained for this!

Settling into everyday life

9. Find your own “third places”

Even great roommates need occasional alone time. Identify a couple of spots where you can recharge:

• Quiet corner in the library or a study room.
• Favorite coffee shop or dining hall.
• Peaceful campus garden or other green space.

Settling into everyday life

10. Schedule quick check-ins

Set up a quick weekly or biweekly catch-up (5–10 minutes) to talk about any small concerns before they become bigger problems—no agenda needed. Use this time to revisit your roommate agreement: Are the cleaning duties still fair? Do the quiet hours need tweaking during midterms? Keep it casual: over coffee, after dinner, or even during a walk around campus will work.

Key takeaways

• Communicate and coordinate with your roommates before move-in—share contact info and decide who brings what.
• Set basic ground rules early—quiet hours, cleaning, guests, and shared items.
• Use headphones and ask before borrowing to keep things respectful.
• Address small issues quickly with honest, calm conversations.
• Remember to take breaks—find spots to recharge away from your room.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to your RA or Neighborhood Assistant if challenges persist.