How to Solve Roommate Conflicts
Does your roommate stay up to play their electric guitar all night, eat the quiche that you make every week, build impromptu pillow forts and refuse to clean them? If your roommate does anything like this, keep reading for some tips to resolve these conflicts. Settling conflicts that you have with a roommate can be tough, so check out these tips for help!
Create a Roommate Agreement
Establishing boundaries with a roommate is always difficult. But, with the help of the Roommate Agreement for on-campus residents, it makes difficult conversations easier. If you live off-campus, consider creating one from scratch. Roommate agreements can help you create schedules and routines for things like chores, noise level, guests, and more. You can refer back to the agreement any time a situation like this comes up. If a new issue arises that wasn’t in the original roommate agreement, you can change it with your roommate anytime.
Talk to a Neutral Party
If boundaries are being crossed despite the roommate agreement, it’s time to get a resident assistant involved. Your RAs are here to help! Whenever there is a conflict between you and a roommate and it seems neither of you can come to an agreement, your RA can act as a mediator. RAs are trained in conflict mediation, problem solving, and dozens of campus resources.
If you live off-campus, a neutral party that doesn’t live with you can also help mediate a conversation. This can be another friend or someone from student ombuds. Student Ombuds can settle roommate and landlord conflicts while staying confidential.
Send a CARE Referral
Is your roommate not feeling or acting like themself? Not everyone feels comfortable asking for help. If your roommate is showing worrying behavior, isn’t going to class, or says something concerning, fill out a CARE report. The CARE team can reach out to your roommate to get them the resources they need.
If you’re having roommate problems, don’t worry! Follow this guide or find someone neutral to talk to. Everyone deserves to feel welcome and comfortable in their living space, so check out any of these resources at any time!