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  4. Roommate Guide

Roommate Guide

Tips for being a good roommate…

Rooming with new people can be intimidating, but it can also be one of the best experiences.

Before Move-in Day…

  • Contact your roommate and get to know each other.
  • Talk about anything you need to bring for the room and who is going to bring which items.

In the beginning…

  • Establish agreed upon ground rules for washing dishes, laundry, taking out the garbage and cleaning your room. Be sure to follow them and have a discussion if they need to be changed.
  • Ask your roommate if you could be doing anything differently.
  • Be inclusive! Include your roommate in activities to help them have a smooth transition to college.

All the time…

  • Give your roommate advance notice is a prospecive student or friend is going to spend the night and make sure they are comfortable with it.
  • Be respectful of your roommate and their belongings.
  • Ask for permission before borrowing things from your roommate.
  • If you decide to determine sides of the room or designated areas where you'll keep your stuff, be sure to keep your belongings in those areas.
  • Be respectful and courteous when your roommate is doing homework in the room or sleeping.
  • Be aware of your personal hygeine.
  • Be willing to compromise.
  • If you have a problem, talk to your roommate. Communication is key!
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Advice from current students

A photo of Coe College student, LaNyia

I found that communicating early on — before you get to Coe — is a great way to understand who you're going to be living with. Also, because ou're going to be sharing space, sometimes you can share things. If we're all bringing mini fridges, that doesn't make sense in a smaller room.

If your roommate is on the shy side, try to get them to go out. I was shy and there was a fair on the quad. I didn't want to go, but my roommate asked for just five minutes. She's the reason I'm so active. 

Discuss problems immediately. Don't let them linger. Be willing to compromise.

— LaNyia from Illinois

A photo of Coe College student, Luke

Establish honest and reasonable expectations before anything. Generally, room organization and social organization as it pertains to the room, that included who you have over and what time you want to have people over.

Honesty is huge — don't be dishonest with your expectations or abilities. Be honest and say 'You know, maybe I can try to keep it clean, but I'm a little bit messy from time to time,' rather than saying, 'Yeah, I'll keep it clean for you,' then not following through. You have to know yourself.

— Luke from Wisconsin