Living with Roommates

When you move in, you will be provided with a roommate agreement form. Your RA may host an apartment meeting to fill out the form with you, or leave the form with you and your roommate to fill out together. It is your responsibility to identify differences in living preferences, make compromises, and establish expectations. The roommate agreement can be re-visited as needed during the year, and is an excellent resource that you, your roommate(s), and residence staff can use for working through challenges.

Be prepared to share your perspectives on the following topics with your roommate(s):

Cleanliness	Do we leave personal items out in the common spaces? What are our standards of cleanliness?
Noise	What are acceptable noise levels for our living space? When does everyone go to bed?
Guests & Parties	How do we feel about guests in our space? Can guests come over? Spend the night?
Safety & Security	Are there any serious allergies to be aware of? How will we respect each other’s privacy?
Physical Properties	Do we divide the cost of common items or purchase our own? How will we divide common spaces?
Other Information	Information about yourself; personal values, ideas and beliefs What is your preferred style of communication?

We have listed the appropriate steps you should take when you need extra help:

Step One: Talk to your roommate(s) - the first step in resolving conflict of any kind is to address it as soon as possible. As roommates, it is your responsibility to work through challenges together. Upon move in, you will receive a roommate guide, which you can refer to for information on how to effectively address conflict with your roommate(s). Start by setting up a time to communicate openly and respectfully. Be patient – sometimes working through conflict takes time.

Step Two: Contact your RA – RAs are available to support you in preparing to discuss a concern with your roommate or when these discussions have been unsuccessful for you. The RA will listen and plan to assist you with discussions by attending, or involving the appropriate resource. Additionally, the RA may/can initiate the next step in the process in the event that the concern is unresolvable.

Step Three: Connect with your coordinator – if the roommate resolution process has been unsuccessful or the situation has become more challenging, you may contact your coordinator to discuss other options including applying for transfer. In the event that you are feeling unsafe and/or in distress, your coordinator, student life will assist in providing alternate living arrangements, when possible.

When it comes to room transfers, the process is different depending on the reason for the request. The processes are as follows:

Roommate Concerns	Complete steps from the previous section (demonstrate reasonable effort toward resolution)-  Seek approval from your coordinator, student life to apply for a transfer	The following is applicable to all transfer requests (including roommate conflicts): Transfers are subject to availability Transfer requests can be made after the first three weeks of September A fee of $100.00 is applied
Room Concerns	Access and complete the transfer form available online- Contact the Residence Office at residence@usask.ca or (306) 966-6775 for more information

In the case of extenuating circumstances such as finding yourself in an unsafe or distressing situation, please contact Residence Staff or Protective Services immediately. We will do our best to assess and make alternate temporary and/or permanent arrangements when availability permits.