All first-year students live in University housing with a roommate (there are a few exceptions – please see the Housing Information section). For most students, this is the first time they have ever had to share private space with another individual. This experience can be a tremendous learning opportunity and can teach life lessons in compromise, communication, friendship, diversity, assertiveness, and self-knowledge. All students are encouraged to enter this new relationship with a sense of adventure and patience.

There are usually bumps in such a relationship, and in a small percentage of cases, roommate assignments do not work. Because the University believes the experience of living with a roommate is a valuable one, it is expected that first-year students make a good faith effort to resolve roommate conflicts before a room change is considered. There are many resources available for addressing roommate conflict, including formal and informal mediation processes. When students have roommate concerns, encourage them to try to work it out with his or her roommate. If that is not successful, the student should contact his or her RA who will help or refer the situation to a dean or area coordinator. The ability to move depends upon the situation and the spaces available.