Moving In
Resolving Conflicts with Your Roommates
Before you move in, discuss with your roommates what everyone is bringing. When everyone arrives, organize a group meeting to discuss how things will work. Do not let conflicts linger. If you have a problem with one of your roommates, be sure to talk about it right away. Make sure you have a good idea of everyone’s habits (e.g., sleeping, studying, and cleanliness) before agreeing to live together. Remember it is a good idea to split the utility bills between the house members. This way, one person is not responsible for all of the bills. Make sure you communicate with your roommates about what you owe. You do not want your phone disconnected because someone forgot to pay a bill.
Talk with your roommates about how you will divide up the house cleaning and set standards. It is important that everyone knows exactly what is expected of him or her in keeping the space clean.
Personality and lifestyle conflicts are common problems. The best way to deal with these is to negotiate, one-on-one, with your roommate. Identify the problems, their causes, and what each roommate can do to solve them. Put any agreement you reach in writing and post it in a prominent place, such as on the refrigerator.
For assistance resolving conflicts, contact the Conflict Management Center at 315-443-2934.