UF Department of Housing & Residence Education

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Roomate Relations

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.