How to be a Good Roommate

1. How to be a Good Roommate By: Claire Sheldon English 393-Section 501 May 6th, 2010

2. Introduction • Who: prospective college students living in on-campus apartments:17-24 years of age • What: teach new college students how to be a good roommate and stay that way • When: process should be completed before roommates move in and continue throughout the semester(s) • Why: to have little or no conflict between roommates

3. Safety Precautions • If directions are not properly followed: • loss of reputation • loss of housing

4. Materials • Patience • Friendly personality • Organization skills • Fairness • Communication • Respect

5. Step 1: Retrieve Names of Future Roommates • Your institution will send a document by mail containing the names of your prospective roommates

6. Step 2: Contact Roommates • By phone, email, or social networking sites, talk to your roommates • Confirm the people you have contacted are your roommates • Kindly introduce yourself and briefly explain about who you are

7. Step 3: Make a List of Apartment Items Needed • Write down anything that can be shared • Kitchen ware, cleaning supplies, decorations, furniture, electronics (TV, DVD Player), appliances

8. Step 4: Divide Up Who Will Bring What • Make sure your roommates know what they will be responsible for bringing • Shopping together with your new roommates for apartment items can be a bonding experience

9. MOVE IN DAY

10. Step 5: Communicate with one another • Make an appoint to talk to your roommates and get to know them • You may not end up being best friends, but acting civil makes things less awkward • By talking, you can voice your opinion and avoid large conflict • Your semester living together will be much more enjoyable if you interact

11. Step 6: Arrange Where Everything Should Go • Agree on a place for things such as dishes and cleaning supplies to be stowed • This will limit any confusion • Be respectful of your roommate’s opinions; you’re not the only one who lives there!

12. Step 7: Decide What Can be Shared • Discuss with your roommates what items you are willing to share (e.g. dishes) and items you will not share (e.g. food, toiletries)

13. Step 8: Be conscious of each other’s schedules and personal space • If you know your roommate has an 8:30 a.m. class, don’t throw a party the night before • If your roommate agrees to let you have a party, don’t let your friends pass out in his or her bedroom or common living areas

14. Step 9: Ask Before You Take Something • Even though you may have agreed to share certain things, ask anyway • If you use something up, replace it; if you borrow something, return it • This will let your roommates know that you are responsible and will build trust

15. Step 10: Be There for Your Roommates • When your roommates need someone to study with, help them out • If they need to talk about personal issues, listen to them

16. Conclusion • By completing this process, you will become an enjoyable roommate to live with • Obtaining your roommates’ names, contacting them, listing apartment needs, coordinating responsibilities, interacting together, organizing shared items, agreeing on what can be shared, being respectful of each other’s personal space and belongings, and offering help when needed are all necessary in the achievement of being a good roommate.

17. Problems and Concerns