Living in a residence hall community, and more specifically, with a roommate will provide you with opportunities to develop interpersonally, and to learn about yourself and others. This booklet is intended to start this process by providing you with some food for thought, i.e., what to expect including some situations that normally occur in residence halls. Suggestions for resolving some of the conflicts which may arise are offered along with ideas for making your residence hall experience both enjoyable and educational. Cooperation is the realization that you and your roommate are in this together. Such a joint venture requires an honest attempt to make the relationship work.
Cooperation encourages mutual satisfaction rather than win-lose outcomes.
Compromise does not necessarily mean accepting something less than satisfactory. Living with another person challenges your creativity and problem- solving skills to find ways in which there can be two winners. You and your roommate share the responsibility for creating and maintaining a positive environment. You should make it as comfortable as possible. Keep in mind that space is limited and is shared with another person.