Managing Roommate Conflicts

You can meet some of your best friends through being roommates, but it is important to be able to communicate effectively in order to get the best results out of any situation that may arise between you and your roommates. Always remember that there is staff available 24/7 to assist you with any concerns or problems you have. The following tips will also help prevent/ease tension between roommates:

Tip 1 - Make sure to fill out the Roommate Agreement Form during the 1st week of moving to a new room. You can print it from the UNF Housing website under Current Students. You will need to sit down with your roommate(s) and discuss the topics on the form and come to a mutual agreement. Sign the form together and give a copy to your Resident Assistant.

Tip 2 - After you have given a copy to your Resident Assistant, you may find that there are some things that you would like to change on the form with you and your roommate(s). You can always go back to the form and change it.

Tip 3 - If there is a problem, make sure to always talk to the person about what is wrong and how you feel. Address the problem and not the person. Also, make sure to not get other parties involved in the conflict.

Tip 4 - It is important to remain calm at all times and use “I” statements instead of saying “You make me feel uncomfortable when you use my dishes without asking.” Say, “I feel uncomfortable when you use my dishes without asking.”

Tip 5 - If you have talked to your roommate(s) and it is still not working out, then you can ask the Resident Assistant to come and meet with you and your roommate(s) to discuss the problems. They will help you and your roommate (s) to think about ways to mediate or offer other resources that are available in Housing.