Note: Information listed on this page applies to in-person program offerings.

Guidelines for Living Together

COSMOS staff do their best to assign roommates with the greatest potential for a good match, based on the students own preferences stated in the online survey. Living successfully with a roommate requires flexibility and the willingness to communicate in an honest, yet tactful, manner. Understandably, it may be challenging to share living space at times; schedules, personalities, habits, stresses and lifestyles vary from person to person. Communication and consideration is essential.

One way to help avoid potential conflicts and misunderstandings is to take time during the first week and discuss your expectations of each other as roommates. Establish agreeable ground rules early. Keep the lines of communication open throughout the program.

When Issues Arise

Take some time to discuss issues with your roommate or Head RA and get everything out in the open; do not let problems build up and subsequently boil over! Suggested topics for discussion with your roommate(s) are shown at right. By sharing your feelings and reactions on these topics, you will be ahead of the game in understanding and empathizing with each other during the ups and downs of four weeks on campus. When conflicts arise, reflecting on these topics and communicating openly, can help resolve disputes before they become unsolvable. If you find yourselves faced with a particularly difficult situation, talk with your Resident Assistant. Having successfully completed extensive training sessions, and having lived in the dorms before, they possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that enables them to work effectively with COSMOS students. Even if your RA is not able to assist you, he/she will know to whom to refer you so that your concerns are addressed.

Suggested Roommate Topics for Discussion

  • Noise levels (music) and Gatherings
  • Borrowing Items
  • Guests (same-sex) and Food (sharing)
  • Sleeping habits
  • Pet Peeves
  • Hygiene/Cleanliness/Neatness and Study Habits

Additional Discussion Items

  • My hobbies and interests are . . .
  • What I would like to tell you about my family and community I grew up in is . . .
  • The way I react when I’m under pressure is . . .
  • The way I react to most people when I first meet them is . . .
  • When I’d rather be left alone, I will . . .
  • Something that always cheers me up is . . .
  • What I miss most being away from home is . . .
  • The way I would like to decorate our room is . . .
  • Some things I like to spend money on are . . .
  • My greatest pet peeve is . . .