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the absolute best or the absolute worst scenarios for their experience. In reality, roommate
living probably falls somewhere in between. At Orientation each year, we ask our students
how many of them have ever had roommates, and the majority share they have never had a
roommate or even had to share a bathroom. It is incredibly valuable for your student to have
realistic expectations of what this experience will be like. They most likely won’t be best
friends on the first day. Relationships take time to establish, and it is realistic to think they
may have some disagreements about things. They will most likely have very different ways
of doing things. This is absolutely normal. Living with someone can be incredibly rewarding,
and your student will be gaining more from this experience than they probably even realize.
Guide them in figuring out how to get through these areas of conflict. For more information
about living and dining on campus, visit
Things to Consider
• Encourage your student to attend on-campus events, go see a movie or eat meals with their
roommate. By setting aside time to spend with one another, they will begin to understand
each other better.
• Encourage open-mindedness in your student and their roommate relationship. They can
learn a lot from someone whose background, culture, values and interests are different
from their own.
• Advise your student to communicate expectations and avoid frustration. They should
discuss individual expectations with their roommate. It is normal for roommates to have
different expectations. Coming to a common agreement on what is expected for a living
space is an important part of living with another person. Some topics to address are study
habits, sleep schedules, items for sharing, items for personal use, visitation hours and
cleanliness.
• Encourage them to talk it out with respectful communication. Students should speak
openly and honestly about concerns and not let potential problems build up. If they need
assistance, an RA can help to facilitate a conversation between roommates.
• They may need to give each other space because sharing a room is a big adjustment
for many people. Even if they are best friends, spending a lot of time together takes
adjustment. Everyone needs alone time. Roommates often have different class schedules.
However, if they don’t have a natural break from each other, encourage them to talk about
creating one.
• Schedule study times, and encourage them to let one another know when important events
(papers, projects, tests, etc.) are coming up.
• Not all roommates become best friends, but most naturally learn how to get along with
each other. The key to a roommate relationship is establishing shared expectations,
communicating with each other and addressing conflict when it occurs. If your student
feels unable to handle a situation with a roommate, Residential Living staff members are
available to assist them.
It is recommended all students living on campus acquire renter’s insurance coverage or
confirm coverage through their family homeowner’s policy.
RECREATION AND FITNESS
Campus Recreation
Through a variety of activities and experiences, Campus Recreation offers opportunities
for your student to live an active, healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. Campus Recreation
provides informal recreation and formal programming at three on-campus facilities: Fike
Recreation Center, Douthit Hills Fitness Center, and the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and
Wellness Complex. Incorporating all eight dimensions of wellness into a student’s routine
is a great way to help manage the daily stressors of college life.
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“My daughter encountered several
differences with her roommates her
first year. The RA was able to intervene
and help them work out a solution. RAs
go through training to prepare them to
work with a variety of problems that may
surface in residential housing. RAs try to
build community on their halls from day
one through activities, meetings
and outings.”
Cindy Parler
North Augusta, S.C.