Tips For Living With Roommates

Woman doing homework smiling at roommate who is sitting on bed
Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Starting college or university often means living with roommates for the first time and that can be a bit of a tricky transition as we all have our own habits, values, priorities, standards and demanding schedules. No need to worry though: we’re here to help you make the most of your new living arrangements. Here is our comprehensive guide of top tips for living with roommates.

Getting to know your roommates

Diving straightforward into the awkward conversations about house rules and such can be hard, so start by getting to know who you are living with. Let them know you have an interest in getting to know them and maybe finding some common ground first.

Get to know you questions
  1. Where are you from?
  2. What program will you be taking?
  3. How many siblings do you have and what order were you born in?
  4. Do you have any pets? Cats … dogs … birds … reptiles … rocks?
  5. What are you most excited about?
  6. What are you most nervous about?
  7. Early bird or night owl?
  8. Do you prefer going out or staying in?
  9. Favourite kind of music or most streamed song/album?
  10. Movies or Television?
  11. Favourite streaming service: Netflix, Prime, Crave, Disney+, etc.
  12. Video games or books?
  13. Favourite meal?
  14. Favourite sweet treat?
  15. What can make a bad day better?
  16. Who or what will you miss the most about home?
  17. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
  18. Your top bingeworthy shows?
  19. What is your most hated chore?
  20. Low-key hanging out with friends or going on an adventure with friends?
  21. Gym rat or pick-up sports?
  22. Puzzles or board games?
  23. Most memorable life experience?

    House Rules when Living with Roommates

    Once you’ve gotten to know each other a bit, within the first week it’s a good idea to have a house meeting and establish some agreed-upon house rules. This helps ensure the space remains enjoyable for everyone.

    Important conversations to have
    1. Who is more introverted and who is more extroverted and what does that mean for what you need from each other?
    2. Is a bathroom schedule needed to ensure people have access before classes or work?
    3. Noise expectations - music volumes, use of headphones, quiet hours for studying
    4. Guests: How many at a time? What hours can guests be over? How much notice do roommates need of a guest coming?
    5. Shared space: Layout the expectation for how spaces like the kitchen, living room or bathroom will be used and left after use
    6. Cleaning schedule: who will be responsible for what chore and when? Will you choose one morning or day a month to do a full clean as a group?
    7. Personal and shared items: Are there items you will share as a group? If so, how will you share the cost? How will you identify shared vs. personal items?
    8. How do you prefer issues to be addressed? One-on-one? House meeting? A group text? Sticky note or whiteboard?
      students sit around a table eating chips and smiling

      How To Have Fun When Living with Roommates

      You will be spending the next eight months together at least and if you are lucky, you may have just met one of your future best friends. Make an effort to spend time and have fun with your roommates. Maybe a weekly movie night or a monthly games night. Determine what works for you and your roommates and try to make time for each other, so your time together is not always about the house rules and responsibilities.

      Things to do with your roommates
      1. House decorating night - pick out some items for your common space
        1. Falcon Shop and Campus store for Fanshawe items
        2. The Spriet Nursery (N building) for some greenery
        3. Dollarama
        4. Winners
        5. Walmart
      2. Events night- most campuses will have a student union who put on a variety of different events on various nights of the week. At Fanshawe, maybe take part in Sex Toy Bingo, FUEL eSports Night, music night, etc.
      3. Intramurals or Late Night Rec - campus recreation is for everyone, no skills or expertise required; having fun is the only requirement!
      4. Try a group workout or exercise class
      5. Start or join a club
      6. Volunteer on campus, maybe with your Student Union or a mentorship program
      7. Play a game: Uno, Heads Up, Two Truths and a Lie, Apples to Apples, MarioKart, etc.
      8. Try out rock climbing together in the Student Wellness Centre
      9. Play some pool or ping pong
      10. Movie Night - the Library Learning Commons has a variety of rentals available
      11. Go for a bike ride or a hike. London has lots of trails: check out the city of London biking trails and the Fanshawe Student Union’s bike rentals
      12. Go for a walk
      13. Explore London
      14. Cook together! Share your favourite recipes or try something new
        two women walking together in front of their residence

        Ask for help when you need it

        Living with roommates is not always going to be smooth sailing. There will be times when someone just wants to have fun while someone else needs to buckle down and study. There is always a good chance a neat freak will end up with someone who enjoys organized chaos. And sometimes you will have your own struggles like experiencing homesickness or challenging course work or relationship issues that may impact how you interact with your roommates. Whatever is going on, know you don’t have to handle it by yourself.

        Helpful resources

        1. Your personal support system - They may not physically be with you, but don’t let distance sever your relationships. Call your parents, text your best friend, go on a meme-sharing binge with your friends.
        2. The Residence team (if you are living on campus) - There is a team of people who are trained to help you navigate any living situations you might encounter. It is okay to ask for help, don’t be nervous or shy about talking to your residence team.
        3. Housing Mediation Services - Resources are available through your school. At Fanshawe, you can visit My Fanshawe to learn more about mediation services and how to connect with support.
        4. Counselling and Accessibility Services - Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to and our counsellor and peer support volunteers are here to help. Whether you are homesick, struggling to balance all the demands on you or experiencing issues with your roommates, our counselling and accessibility team can help make sure you have the support you need.

        Those are our top tips for living with roommates. If you need help or have questions on how to make things easier, contact our housing mediation services.

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