Roommate Requests

One of the exciting parts about living on campus is expanding your relationships. While it can be scary not to know your roommate, many great friendships begin with sharing new experiences.

If you would like to room with someone in particular, though, you may submit that request via the Housing Preferences Form. Roommate preferences can always be changed by going to goBaylor and resubmiting your preferences. Just make sure that all your updates are completed before May 1, so you can be considered for the first round of assignments via the Housing Preferences Form. Requests must be mutual for all parties in order to be honored.

Room Changes

There are usually questions or anxiety surrounding living with someone new. Students who persist and invest in the relationship reap rewards by growing in their understanding of others and making an unexpected new friend. For this reason, we cannot accommodate roommate change requests based on first impressions or assumed differences. Who knows what God has in store for this new relationship?

Residents who experience persistent conflicts with their roommate(s) should first discuss the problem with the roommate(s). If the issue cannot be resolved, then the next step will be to discuss the issues with the community leader. Community leaders are assigned to each hall, and help residents with potential roommate conflicts. Should the issue not be resolved between the two roommates, and the community leader; then the next step will be to discuss the conflict with the residential hall director.

When conflicts arise, we encourage roommates to communicate their concerns to each other honestly and constructively. However, we acknowledge there are times when a neutral perspective, such as from a Residence Hall Director (RHD), helps in the mediation process. RHD's are professional staff members who oversee conflicts that require a 3rd party and are trained in conflict resolution and low-level mediation. If a concerted effort from all roommates does not resolve the issue to a habitable level, we're happy to explore other living options, which may include a move to a different residence hall. Typically, students cannot ask that a roommate be relocated. Only in rare cases that involve a documented breach of university or CL&L policy will a student be reassigned or removed from their assignment. It is important to note, however, that during high occupancy periods, limited space is available for room changes.

Roommate Communication

One of the first things that you will complete upon move-in, is the Community Living Agreement. The purpose of this agreement is to foster relationships between roommates. During this time, you will discuss one anothers' needs and rights in your shared living arrangement. The Community Living Agreement is a way to reduce the potential conflict between roommates. Changing rooms is one of the last options possible.

At the beginning of the year, roommates often experience a "honeymoon" stage. During this stage, conflict between two roommates is often minimal when the two are just getting to know each other. Throughout the year the relationship begins to change, as roommates begin to learn more about each and as school, work, and other priorities demand different things from each individual.

How can I foster a better relationship with my roommate?

Communication is key, just like in any other relationship. You should start to communicate with your roommate when you first receive your roommate notification via e-mail.

Here are some sample questions that might provide a helpful conversation when first communicating with your roommate:

• Where are you from and where have you lived?

• How old are you?

• Why did you want to attend Baylor?

• What are you most excited about? Nervous about? Will miss the most?

• What are some of your interests and hobbies?

• What type of music do you like to listen to? Book do you like to read? Movies you like to see?

• What are your strengths?

Once you get to know your roommate, you should discuss if you would like the following items and, if so, who is bringing them:

• Telephone
• Television
• DVD Player
• Stereo
• Refrigerator - must be 1.5 amps or less, 36 inches tall or less, and have a grounded plug
• Microwave - please note the only microwaves allowed in traditional residence halls is the MicroFridge (a refrigerator/microwave combination) which may be purchased or rented from Collegiate Concepts
• Carpet - you may bring your own or order from Collegiate Bed Loft Company