Curious about what it will be like to live with a roommate? Having difficulty living with your roommate(s) right now? You’ve come to the right place!

Living with people can be stimulating, rewarding and one of the most positive aspects of your College or University experience. It will also be challenging. We all have our own preferences, habits, and ways of doing things that make absolute sense to us, but will be completely annoying to others.

The good news is, successful roommate relationships don’t just happen, they’re the product of a lot of communication, a bit of effort and a healthy dose of patience, and you can help create one.  There are a number of ways to prepare for a new roommate and setting down house rules early, with a little planning and openness, often goes a long way.

Getting to Know One Another:

  • Where are you from?
  • What is your family like?
  • What’s it like at your home?
  • What are your favourite things to do?
  • What is your major?
  • What led you to choose that?
  • What is your schedule like?
  • How did you choose Centennial College /UOT?
  • What else are you involved in?
  • Is this your first time living in a residence, or have you lived elsewhere?
  • Do you have household items you’d like to share with the unit?
  • How can I reach you?

Setting Common Expectations:

Basics

  • Where will we record messages for one another?
  • Will you be spending most of your time in the room?
  • Will it bother you if I do/don’t?
  • Are you looking for a friend or just a roommate?

Study Habits

  • What time do you study?
  • Will you be studying in our room? Or elsewhere?
  • When and for how long do you usually study?
  • Can you study with the TV or radio or computer on? With visitors in the room? With someone using MSN in the room?

Sleeping

  • Are you more of a morning or a night person?
  • When do you typically go to bed? Wake up?
  • Are you a heavy or light sleeper?
  • Can you sleep with the TV or radio or computer on? With visitors in the room? With someone using MSN?

Alcohol

  • Is it ok to drink alcohol in our room?

Food

  • Is it OK to eat in the room? Any type of food?

Cleaning

  • How do we define a clean room?
  • How neat and clean are you used to keeping your room?
  • How often will the room be cleaned and by whom?
  • How would you like the room arranged and decorated?

Sharing

  • How much space will you need?
  • What items are you comfortable sharing and what would you prefer not to be borrowed or used?
  • What costs will we share? (e.g. shampoo)
  • Do you prefer to be asked before someone borrows something?

Guests

  • How do you feel about having overnight guests?
  • How long is it OK for a guest to stay?
  • Is there a time that guests of other genders cannot use our room?
  • Can guests use the bathroom?
  • Do you mind if guests use items in the room?