Roommate Rights
An integral part of your college experience is learning to get along with all types of people, especially your roommate or suitemate. Communication is key in developing a strong relationship with your roommate.
As a UAF resident, there are certain rights you can expect and that you have the responsibility to maintain:
● The right to read and study free from undue interference in your room.
● The right to sleep without undue disturbance from noise.
● The right to have your personal belongings respected by your roommate(s).
● The right to a clean and healthy environment in which to live.
● The right to have full access to your room and facilities without pressure from
a roommate.
● The right to host guests with the expectation that the guests will respect the UAF
guest policy and the rights of your roommate(s) and other facility residents.
Getting Along With Your Roommate
Complete Yada Report
Yada is an assessment that can be used to help roommate placement at UAF, as well as help you figure out how to navigate the relationships in your life based on your personality. Knowing your Yada personality types can help students understand each other through difficult conversations. All students enrolled and signed up for housing will be able to table the assessment for free.
Complete a Roommate Agreement
A roommate agreement is a useful tool for you and your roommate(s) to use to discuss various issues that could come up while sharing a space. If you and your roommate(s) would like to fill out a roommate agreement, please contact a staff member in your building.
Share the Space
Many residents have never shared a living space before and can find it difficult to compromise, but it is important to realize that mutual respect is essential to avoid conflicts. Be respectful of your roommate’s belongings and room space, and discuss issues as they come up. We recommend within the first week of living together that you and your roommate(s) discuss expectations for living together. Taking the time to learn about each other's communication styles and living preferences can help prevent many conflicts. Suggested topics to discuss include guests, noise levels, room decor, windows and heat use, study and sleep times, cleanliness, personal routines, and relationship expectations.
Ask Questions
Get to know your roommate--this will be a person you will share your living space with during the academic year.
Be Aware of Differences
Establish the similarities and differences in your habits and interests and develop an effective agreement on how to balance these out. Don’t be afraid to express your expectations and opinions - open communication is a basis for creating an enjoyable living environment. Create some ground rules from the start and feel free to refer back to them periodically and make modifications if necessary.
Confront Issues Respectfully
If you are confronting an issue, avoid inflammatory language and be respectful. Say, “When you do X in situation Y, I feel Z.” Approach your roommate in private - do not discuss issues in front of others as this could put pressure on the other person. Find a good time for both of you to talk. Try not to approach them as they are rushing to class or about to go out with friends since this will make them feel rushed to make decisions. Be patient: listen to your roommate, accept criticism, and know that there are always two sides to every story. Remember that the solution will probably be a compromise and not your ideal scenario, but compromises will help you enjoy living together.
Try Roommate Mediation
If disagreements come up during the year, please talk with your roommate first and attempt to resolve the issue. If that is not successful, contact your Resident Assistant or Resident Director, who can schedule a mediation between you and your roommate. Hall staff act as a neutral party and can help you find a positive solution.
Room Change
If you are unable to resolve your conflicts with your roommate and can no longer live in your current living space, the Department of Residence Life provides options for room changes.