Most agreements have options for studying, visitor, noise level, bedtime, and cleanliness preferences. Roommates have to sign the agreements and turn them into their RA (residential advisor) who will solve any disputes that come up.
Dorms and Roommates
Most incoming freshmen have never had to share a room before, let alone share one with a complete stranger. Having a roommate is very exciting and fun, but can also be tough at times. Depending on how the year goes, they can easily become your best friend, or worst enemy. By following these simple steps, you are sure to have a great relationship with your new roommate.
#1: Picking a Roommate
Having the right roommate is extremely important to having a good year. Ideally your new roommate will become one of your closest friends and like a sister or brother to you.
There are two ways for you to get a roommate at UF.
1. You can be randomly assigned.
a. If you do not submit a name of someone you want to room with, UF will randomly assign you a person to live with. Many students choose
this option and have good experiences, while others tend to get paired with someone that they do not mesh well with.
2. You can find a roommate on RoomSync
a. RoomSync is a social media page connected to Facebook. After completing a survey about yourself, it allows you to see all the other
students looking to live in the dorms. The survey helps to suggest you with people who have similarities with you. One study showed that
97% of students who used RoomSync either became best friends with their roommate or had a mutually respectful relationship. This is
the better of the two options. If you have the opportunity to pick your roommate, why would you choose not to?
After setting up your housing plan, UF sends you an identification code to use for setting up an account through Facebook to meet other students searching for roommates. When setting up your account it will ask questions about yourself to best match you with similar students.
#2: Set Ground Rules
Setting ground rules is the basis for getting along with your new roommate. Without having clear guidelines for the year, a lot of disagreements and fights could occur. Nobody likes rules, but without them things get chaotic.
All UF dorms require you to fill out a roommate contract. This helps roommates to come up with some basic rules to follow through the year. It has categories such as cleanliness, having guests over, noise levels, etc. It is important that you take this agreement seriously and discuss both of your living preferences. If anything happens throughout the year, this form is something that can always be used as a reference to solve disputes.
While this isn't required with off-campus living, it would be a great idea to do the same. Off-campus living is nearly identical to living in a dorm when it comes to dealing with roommates.
#3: Be Courteous
If you expect someone to respect you, then you also need to respect him or her. Some basic rules to follow are:
1. Do not be super messy
a. Clean up after yourself if you want your roommate to do the same
2. Do not be too noisy
a. If your roommate is trying to sleep or study, try not to make a lot of noise or disturb them
b. If they are sleeping when you come home or leave, try to be quiet when getting ready for the day or to go to sleep.
3. Ask before borrowing their stuff
a. Some roommates share everything, if you share clothes and food, make sure to ask before taking something that is not yours.
4. Ask about guests
a. Since it is their private space too, do not have guests over at all hours without making sure your roommate is ok with it.
As long as you are courteous and polite to your roommate, you will have no issues. Remember that this is not only your room, but theirs too.
#4. Talk Out Problems
Living in such a small space together, you are bound to have a few disagreements. It is important that you do not get mad and hold grudges against your roommate; this will only lead to more arguments. If you are having issues with something, just talk it out. They might not even realize that there was a problem until you tell them. Talking out problems will help you become closer and move on from all of the issues. You both will be able to come to an agreement and move on from the problem.
The easiest way to overcome one of these situations is to:
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Recognize the issue
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Think about how you want the issue solved
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Talk to roommate about what is bothering you
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Suggest solution to problem
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Come to a mutual agreement of how to fix it
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Move on from the issue
Moving on from the issue is the most important part of this step process. By not letting go of something after it is over, you are sure to create a wedge between you and your roommate.
Do not avoid an issue or act rudely to your roommate without telling them what is wrong. They will most likely get mad at you for being rude and then the problem will escalate. Having issues with someone you live in a small room with is will only cause you stress. You will not be able to avoid them since you sleep 5 feet apart. Always talk out problems so that you can have a happy living environment.
Summary
Having a roommate for the first time can be nerve-wracking. This stranger, however, is most likely going to be your first college friend, and could even turn into your best friend. Roommates get to bond extremely close since they experience new things and spend a lot of their time together. A good roommate can make your freshman year something that you will never forget and always cherish. In order for this to happen you need to follow these steps of, picking a roommate, setting ground rules, being courteous, and talking out problems. In order to have a good roommate, you need to be a good roommate.
For more information about Dorms and Roommates click here.