RESIDENCE
Roommates
A roommate is more than just someone you share a fridge with. Like you, your roommate is striking out on their own, figuring out how university works and maybe even missing home.
The experiences you share with your roommate can have a positive impact on your academic achievements, social activities and overall well-being. For some, a roommate quickly becomes a confidante, a study buddy and a friend.
Choosing a roommate
If you don’t have a roommate in mind when you apply to residence, no problem. Most residents are in the same situation. Our online roommate selection process makes it easy for you to connect with other residents who are also looking for a roommate.
Here’s how it works:
- After you have confirmed your space by paying the $400 confirmation fee, you will be automatically placed into roommate search and selection.
- Write a short profile that potential roommates will be able to read and learn more about you.
- You can search for potential roommates by:
- Search for Roommates by Details – If you have a roommate in mind and know their Web Screen Name.
- Search for Roommates by Roommate Profiles – Search based on your preferences, lifestyle and daily habits.
- Suggested Roommates – The portal will suggest roommates that match highly with your profile responses filled out during the application process.
- You can review the profiles of potential roommates to learn more about similar interests and expectations.
- If you see someone, you’d like to be roommates with, you can send them a message or create a roommate group and invite them. You’ll also be able to accept or deny roommate requests from other applicants.
Setting expectations
Learning to live with another person, acknowledging and respecting each other’s differences, giving each other space to grow—these are some of the most valuable experiences you’ll have while living in residence.
We encourage you to sit down with your roommate and review the list of concerns that many residents have, such as noise, guests, sleeping habits and cleanliness. Meeting with your roommate early in your first week will help you identify areas of concern and deal with them appropriately right from the start.
It takes years to develop strong communication skills, but we want to give you a couple of basic tips to help you start a strong relationship with your roommate. You can do this by:
- Remembering that your roommate is nervous too
- Keeping an open mind
- Being honest about your needs and concerns
- Not expecting to be best friends right away
- Not making assumptions
- Asking questions when you are unsure
- Asking your RA for help if needed
When you live in residence, your roommate(s) and neighbours’ rights and responsibilities need to be considered alongside your own.
You are responsible for:
- Maintaining a clean living space
- Respecting your roommate’s belongings
- Dealing with grievances quickly. (Residence Life staff are available to help.)
- Allowing your roommate to read and study in the suite without undue interference, unreasonable noise or other distractions
- Allowing your roommate to use the suite’s facilities (for example, kitchen or bathroom) when they need them
- Allowing your roommate to sleep without undue disturbance from noise, guests or other disruptions
- Giving your roommate privacy
- Allowing your roommate to be free from intimidation and physical or emotional harm
- Making sure your guests respect the rights and privacy of your roommate and other residents
Resolving differences
If you and your roommate(s) have trouble getting along, this process may help you solve the problem:
- Talk to your roommate
If there are issues that you need to address with your roommate, talk directly to them. Be calm and relaxed before and during this discussion. We recommend that you write down your specific concerns before discussing them with your roommate - Talk to your RA
If things don’t improve after speaking with your roommate, arrange a meeting with an RA, who will provide you with guidance and tips on how to proceed. - Arrange for mediation
If the tips that the RA gives you don’t help the situation with your roommate, speak to your RA again and arrange a time when they can mediate a conversation between you and your roommate. - Ask to change your suite
If the problems continue after the mediation, submit a Room Change Request Form in consultation with a Residence Life staff member. - Discuss alternatives
A Residence Life Coordinator reviews the suite change request, and the Housing team emails you to discuss possible alternatives to your current assignment.
The Suite Change policy ensures you have the opportunity to fully experience and deal with the challenges of sharing a space before taking the action of a room change. In most cases, a suite change is the last course of action. It’s important to note that Residence Services will not consider suite changes until a Roommate Success Plan has been completed and a Residence Life staff member has been involved in a mediated conversation. Exceptions may apply.
We recommend that you follow the conflict resolution process to address concerns with roommates before proceeding with a suite change request.
If you want to proceed without mediation, meet with a Residence Life staff member to complete the suite change request form together.
All suite change requests are subject to availability and if approved have a $120 room change fee.
Please email us to request a room change.