Do you only use Instagram? Does your roommate prefer text over a call? You may want to consider expressing the best way to get in touch with each other. This may change with the situation (i.e. text for the daily chat but call immediately if there is free ice cream on campus) and may change from when you first meet. Communication can also come in the form of letting your new roommate know if you are a morning or evening person so they’re not surprised if you don’t look awake by noon!
Having guests over, how frequently both of you plan to study each week, and what you both plan to do in the suite while one is studying and to promote healthy study habits. Discuss how often in a week friends can come over, how many, and how you plan to notify your roommate when you expect guests. For noise, discuss when you plan to study, and if the TV or stereo can be on during that time. What time is reasonable to be quiet during the week and weekends? Discuss how to approach each other if either of you are wearing noise cancelling headphones but are unaware your volume may be increasing.
How frequently do you plan to have overnight guests (within the Residence Community Living Standards guidelines)? How far in advance you want to be told about whether your roommate is having an overnight guest? Are there any limitations to when a guest can or cannot stay over (i.e. mid-terms, exams)?
How frequently do you plan to attend events in residence or on-campus? What does it look like when your social battery is running low? Do you like entertain within your suite or do you prefer to keep your suite as a haven from social interactions.
Discuss who will clean the common areas of the suite and who will be responsible for general cleanliness of the suite etc., (dishes, dusting, clean-up, etc.)
Please note it is the entire suites responsibility to ensure their suite common areas are ready for weekly housekeeping and that all garbage and recycling is taken out frequently.
If you plan to share food, supplies, etc. You may want to consider an agreement about who is purchasing necessary things frequently (such as milk, bread, cleaning supplies, paper products, etc.) and any rotation you may have for who will be supplying groceries or not. Keep in mind any allergies/sensitivities that you may want to discuss.
Times when you may want to have privacy and what the arrangement will be for being respectful of each other’s privacy. (i.e. If I/we need to discuss something privately, how would you like to be approached? Via text, in-person, over the phone?). Privacy can also include personal space and respecting each other’s personal space.
What you agree to share or not share (i.e. Dishes, utensils, books, clothing, paper towel, toilet paper, computers, appliances, etc.). Discuss if you do need to ask permission to use these items. Set guidelines and limits for sharing.
Your drinking habits and how they may affect each other, and to discuss that both roommates are on common grounds about no smoking or drug-use in Residence as outlined in the Residence Community Living Standards. If one is a smoker, you may also have to discuss ways to reduce the smell of smoke in the suite if one person is coming in from outside and the smell that may remain in clothing that could inhibit your roommate’s enjoyment in your suite.