Tips for Living with Roommates Part 2

In a previous blog, our Office of Admission shared their best tips for living with roommates for the first time. However, what better people to give advice than our own college students living on Gonzaga’s campus! Here are some tips for living with roommates from current Zags.:

Aileen Sarmiento-Velasco ‘24

“As a senior, looking back on all of my roommate living experiences. I would say the most important things to keep in mind when you’re starting to live with new people is to clearly communicate not only boundaries, but expectations for the living space! You usually must fill out a roommate agreement when you first move in on campus and although this is a good start, it should go more in depth! Creating things such as a chore chart or house rules and putting them somewhere around your shared space where everyone can see is a great way to keep everyone accountable. When it comes to more direct living spaces like your room, communication should be consistent! Take some time to know your roommate, even if you were friends before, because having more background knowledge on their daily habits can be helpful during stressful times in the semester. Communication doesn’t have to be big either; if you’re having a rough day consider shooting your roommate a quick text saying you might need extra space. Doing this helps maintain personal boundaries and a healthier environment for everyone living in it! Most importantly, remember that you are all students and going through similar struggles! Be sure to give both you and your roommate some grace as you both navigate your new living adventure together!

Sarah Sarlatte ‘25

“After living with roommates for two years, I think it was very beneficial to get to know your roommate early on. It is okay to not be best friends with your roommate, but you still live together so you should get to know each other! I also think it is important to establish your boundaries and respect each other’s time and space. It is also vital to communicate honestly with your roommate if something isn’t working for you in the room dynamic. Finally, I enjoyed having some sort of activity that I did on my own or with a different group of people than who I lived with. I spent a lot of time with my roommates, and we got along great, but it was nice to have the time to do something on my own sometimes.”

Kate Anderson ‘24

“Give each other grace! School (and life) get stressful, so it’s inevitable that there will be bad days. Try to support each other as much as possible. Remember that sometimes it might not be you but could be something your roommate is going through internally!”

Charlie McPhail ‘24

“I would say that it is okay if there are ups and downs with your roommate because that’s very normal. It’s important to communicate with your roommate so that it can be the best living experience possible for the both of you!”

Olivia Ramirez ‘24

“The most useful tool when living with a roommate is communication. It can resolve problems before they become an issue. The other thing I would highly recommend is joining clubs that interest you. This gets you out of your room and is a great way to meet new people.”

Emma Cimino ‘24

“Be prepared for them to have different living habits than you. Talking through these differences will help both of you find a balance in your new living situation. Plus, they don’t always have to be your best friend, just the person you can come back to at the end of the night and talk about your day with.”

Makenna Ronning ‘24

“Best advice is to communicate how you live, expectations with friends coming over, staying out late at night, what time you go to bed, etc. As long as you communicate with each other, it makes living with another person so much easier!”