If you know any Hokies excited, or a little nervous, to live with a roommate — share these five tips!
Life on campus comes with many changes and getting a roommate or two is a big one! Check out our top 5 Hokie Hints on how to live with a roommate below, or watch a quick reel about roommate relationships by Hokies for Hokies!
1. Discuss Schedules
What are your preferred sleep and study schedules? When will you be at class or work?
2. Respect Privacy and Belongings
What items can be shared? What are your individual needs regarding privacy?
3. Keep It Clean
How will you work together to keep your space clean? What chores will be done and how often?
4. Discuss Guests
When will guests be allowed in the room?
5. Plan for Communication & Compromise
How will you handle conflict? Discuss concerns as soon as they arise and plan for compromise. If you and your roommate can't reach an agreement after discussing your concerns with each other, contact your Student Leader.
More Key Questions
- What time do you wake up? Are you a light sleeper? Do you take naps?
- Will we share personal belongings? Are some things off limits?
- Will we schedule quiet times for studying or sleeping?
- How do you study best (e.g., music, silence, privacy)?
- How frequently can guests visit?
- How clean do you expect the room to be?
- How will we bring up disagreement?
What is an SL?
Watch a quick reel from our Student Leaders here!
Student Leaders, also commonly referred to as an SLs, are innovative and adaptable student leaders assigned to residential halls to promote the well-being and safety of the students. These staff members are trained to help mediate a situation and find a solution before making a room change.
Check out our webpage on Hokie Living
Learn more about living with roommates, hallmates, and suitemates
This information is provided as part of the Campus Countdown summer giveaway for the class of 2029! Incoming Hokies can follow along with our interactive email series this summer to win big and prepare for on-campus living.
View the move-in email archive, with move-in information sent to your Hokie, or click the links below for more information to share with the Hokies in your life:
Stay connected
✅ Help the Hokies in your life complete the New Student Checklist, the essential incoming Hokie to-do list. Have they checked off all the steps?
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