Residential living is an integral part of your total college education; the residence halls are more than just a place to eat, sleep, study, and store your belongings. Your room, suite, or apartment is your home for the next nine months, and also the home of one, two, or three more people!
While at Penn State Behrend, you will face many new situations - you will encounter people of various ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds whose beliefs, values, and lifestyles may be very different from your own. On campus, you will soon realize that you are the only person like you - everyone believes, thinks, and acts in unique ways, and the different styles do impact the rest of the community. Learning to live with a variety of people will take time, patience, and open-mindedness to come to appreciate the unique blend of students we have at Penn State Behrend. The Residence Life staff is committed to helping you over and through the tough times that you may face in your new community on campus, and to assist you in making the most of your living experience. We are here for you and your community!
All Penn State students are responsible for living within the regulations of the Code of Conduct. Residence hall and apartments student must also be aware of and abide by all housing policies as described in Housing and Food Services Contract you signed. Additional copies are available through the Housing and Food Services Office.
College is probably the first time you have lived with someone who is not a family member or a friend. In most cases, you are sharing your living space with a person or people you have never met before. You may find that you will develop a life-long friendship with your roomie(s), or you may not — there is no way to tell when you first meet. Students usually enjoy coming 'home' and sharing their stories, experiences, and frustrations with a roommate. Sometimes, however, living with others can be trying for all parties involved. It usually means that both (or all) of you will have to make adjustments and compromises in order to work through the rough times.
Timing is Everything: Everyone does not operate on the same schedule. It is important to discuss and recognize the differences in your and your roommate's personal timelines. Issues to discuss are quiet/study times, sleep times, and guest guidelines. Study lounges and common areas are available for late night chat or study sessions.
A Little Respect Goes A Long Way: Being roommates does not automatically mean free use of each other's 'stuff.' You may agree to share items, but use only the items you have agreed to share. Another sure sign of respect is locking the door when you are the last person to leave the room, so all you and your roommate's belongings are safe.
Keep It Clean: That pizza box pile in the corner is not very flattering, and probably won't win you any favors with the roomie. No one is going to clean your room, suite, or apartment besides you. Be sure to take out the trash, keep things in their place, and wash your clothes! You and your roommate(s) should discuss cleaning duties before a big stink is raised.
Communicate Directly: Realize that your roommate has individual likes and dislikes, and expects to be treated in the same manner you wish to be treated. If an issue comes up, address it directly before it gets out of hand; hoping that he/she will 'catch on' is not an effective method for resolving a situation. Be open to discussing the difficult situations as well as the routine issues such as room temperature, visitation, and cleaning up.
You don't have to be 'best friends' to have a successful roommate relationship, but you do have the opportunity to build a strong and lasting relationship with your roommate(s). It isn't always easy, so if you notice things starting to shake up a little bit, take the initiative to discuss the situation with your roommate(s) first. If you find that is not working, talk to your RA or coordinator for a little advise on the matter. Talking to the RA or Coordinator is not "telling" on your roommate, or trying to get them in trouble.
updated 7/21/2008
elh7@psu.edu