What if roommates don’t get along?
When roommate problems occur, residents can count on Student Programs staff for support and assistance in finding options! Some roommates may find it more difficult to live with each other than others because of different backgrounds, values, goals, and ideas. Many sources of potential conflict between roommates can be solved with good communication. The first step in solving any conflict is to determine what the issues are. The next step is for the roommates to talk. It can be difficult to start this conversation, but it is necessary to solve the situation. The resident advisor can provide hints regarding how to better communicate during this meeting. RAs are trained in communication, leadership, confrontation, assertiveness, and conflict mediation. Finally, if things just aren’t working out (for any reason), a resident can obtain a current vacancy list from the area office as the first step toward a room change.
