UGA housing: All about roommates

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Going away to college may be one of the most exciting moments of your life to date. It can also be one of the scariest. Not only are you leaving your home and your family, possibly the only roommates you've ever known, but you are quite likely moving in with a stranger who doesn't know your habits, your pet peeves, your stories. Not to worry. We're here to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The UGA Housing Office does its very best to help roommates thrive and provide you and your roommate with the living facilities that you selected on your housing application. If you already know who you want to live with, we are happy to place you in the same room, provided that you and the other individual both request each other on your housing applications, we receive both original applications and completed housing contracts, and a double room vacancy exists. Remember, room assignments will be made according to the date the last housing application was received. (In other words, you have a better chance of getting your preferences met if both you and your roommate apply for housing early.)

Of course, so much of your happiness with your roommate depends on the two of you and how well you get along. Below are some tips for maintaining a good relationship with your roommate. If you have tried to communicate and sort through your problems and you still aren't happy with your living situation, just remember that we can always help by finding you a new room or roommate.

Ten crucial tips for a good roommate relationship

Get to know each other. You've got your first opportunity to make a new friend. Take the time to ask and answer questions -- about family, hobbies, academic interests, etc.
Talk it out. Communication is key in building a successful relationship.
Be open and friendly. You and your roommate may not have the same taste in clothing or music, but you likely share some of the same concerns and apprehensions. Be the first to step out of your comfort zone.
Be understanding. Everyone has bad days. Remember that you may not always be aware of the issues your roommate is dealing with, but there's most likely a good reason for his or her actions. A sympathetic ear might help a lot.
Give each other space. Togetherness is great, but too much of a good thingÉsometimes that's not so great. You and your roommate both need time alone. If that time doesn't pop up naturally, talk about it.
Ask before you borrow. Suddenly you have twice the wardrobe! But everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to lending belongings. Asking first helps avoid misunderstandings.
Define "neat." Whether you're a neat freak or a slob, you have someone else's feelings to consider. With a little give and take, you can each adjust accordingly and make your environment comfortable.
Discuss visitation hours. Talk about when it's okay and when it's not okay to have visitors in the room.
Pick one extracurricular activity to share. There's nothing like having something in common to care and talk about. If you aren't involved in any of the same activities, you are likely to see each other at bedtime only. You may feel like you're sleeping in a room with a stranger.
Schedule study times. Let your roommate know in advance when you have a big test or paper coming. He or she will know to give you some quiet time. A roomful of friends when you are stressed may lead to a bad scene!

Housing Assignments Office, Russell Hall, Athens, GA 30602-5575
Phone: (706) 542-1421 | Fax: (706) 542-8595 | Email: housing@uga.edu
Family and Graduate Housing Office, 710 East Campus Road, Athens, GA 30602
Phone: (706) 542-1473 | Fax: (706) 542-8402 | Email: fgh@uga.edu