Living with Roommates
Living with Roommates:
Probably one of the biggest anxieties incoming students have when they come to college is how they'll get along with their roommates. Some tips and strategies are presented on this page. Upon arriving at Lehigh, many new students will be living in a residence hall with one of more unrelated people for the first time. Even those that have been assigned a single room, your year will be characterized by interactions with those living closest to you: your hall mates. These tight living quarters can present a tremendous challenge, even among the best of friends. Below, we've compiled a list of DOs and DON'Ts to help with the adjustment.
DOS
- set clear expectations early
- hold each other accountable
- COMMUNICATE in person
- be flexible
- challenge your assumptions
- listen
- be patient and open-minded
- seek out your Gryphon or Residence Life Coordinator if necessary
DON'TS
- raise your voice
- be sarcastic
- take any roommate disputes/disagreements to your hall mates
- expect your parents to solve problems
- avoid conflict at the cost of your happiness/mental health
- jump to conclusions
To assist you to better know your roommate(s) the Office of Residence Life provides you with a roommate agreement to be filled out at the beginning of the year. During the first two weeks of the fall semester your Gryphon will visit your room and work with you and your roommate(s) to complete your Roommate Agreement. Right from the beginning, it is very important to communicate openly with your roommate about topics ranging from study methods to taste in music. Learning to live with another person, to acknowledge and respect your differences, and to allow one another the space to grow is a valuable component of the residential experience.
It will be a challenge to talk about your differences, but taking time to discuss your personal needs up front and reach a written agreement is a good way to head off problems before their arise. Keep your Gryphon appraised of how things are going. If troubles arise, do not hesitate to speak with your Gryphon or your area's Residence Life Coordinator. We encourage students in conflict to seek mediation through the Office of Residence Life.