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Building Communication

Good relationships are built on communication. Begin building good communication by completing the initial Roommate Expectations form. Remember to always communicate openly, directly, and immediately as issues arise — each roommate owes the other the courtesy of speaking to him/her first. Don’t put off problems; delayed discussions can lead to explosive problems that become more difficult to resolve. Use our four steps to resolving a roommate conflict as a guide.

Why build roommate communication?

Have you ever shared a room with a brother or sister?
Did you share a room while you were in high school?

The Bad News
Most students arrive at the University of Florida without ever having shared a room — or at least they haven’t shared a room recently. Add the lack of roommate experience to our system of randomly assigning new students, and roommate relation issues become high priority.

The Good News
Sharing a room is a learned skill. Although it’s easier to learn when you are young and dealing with a sibling, it is not impossible to learn when you’re in college and living with someone you don’t know. The relationship skills you build now will serve you later in business or social settings — you may even develop lifelong friendships.

Steps to Resolving a roommate conflict

• Step 1 — Complete the Gator to Gator Building Roommate Communications program with your roommate(s). See staff for info.
• Step 2 — Speak to your roommate(s) directly. State issues neutrally. Relay feelings. Offer resolutions. Be prepared to listen. Are you willing to compromise?
• Step 3 — Ask staff assigned to your floor to intervene by meeting with all involved roommates. His/Her role is that of a neutral mediator as involved roommates resolve the problem.
• Step 4 — Roommates meet with a Graduate Hall Director, Residence Director, or Residence Life Coordinator who may serve as a mediator or arbitrator in resolving the conflict. Roommates may be asked to sign revised Roommate Expectations forms. If problems are not resolvable, transfers may be arranged.
• Step 5 — The Assistant Director of Housing for Residence Life may intervene in a conflict if roommates have been unable to resolve a conflict at the other levels.