Roommates

When you arrive at Revelle, you will have to make the usual adjustment to living with roommates, as everyone does when going to college. Some of you have chosen your roommate(s) while others will meet and live with unfamiliar people as roommates. Even if you think you really know the person you are living with, here are some items to consider. Over the years, we have found that these can become issues between roommates, even best friends, if not fully discussed:

• Smoking/Non-Smoking: State law prohibits smoking in all state-owned buildings, which includes the residence halls and apartments. Nevertheless, you need to decide if living with a person who smokes (or doesn't smoke) would become an issue to you.
• Alcohol: The possession, consumption, sale, distribution, manufacture, or storage of containers of alcoholic beverages anywhere on campus is prohibited by the ASUCSD student code. Resident Advisors are required to confront the use of alcoholic beverages and to document such use; their job responsibilities do not give them the choice of overlooking violations. Still, it is necessary to consider if it is a problem for you if a roommate uses alcohol off-campus.
• Drugs: The possession, sale, manufacture and/or distribution of any controlled substance without a valid prescription is illegal as defined by numerous laws. Residents involved in such illegal activities may be arrested and are subject to Housing sanctions and/or other legal action.
• "Night" or "Morning" People: The times that roommates retire for the night can become a source of tension and difficulty. It is imperative that each roommate's rights and needs are respected and accommodated.
• Music: The type, style, and volume of music are also things to consider. Music seldom affects only the listener.
• Visitation: The guests you invite to visit (particularly those of the opposite sex and/or a significant other) and the duration of the visits need to be discussed with each roommate. This is done so that roommates' rights to visits and to privacy can be equitably maintained. All visitors must be acceptable to all roommates at all times.
• Study Habits: When do you do your optimal studying? Do you study with the radio or television on or off? Does it bother you if other people are around when you are trying to study? These issues need to be addressed.
• Cleanliness: Does a cluttered room make you feel uneasy? Does a perfect room make you feel uneasy? Do you have to wait for room checks before you can motivate yourself to do the cleaning you know you should do? Your cleanliness habits have a tremendous effect on your roommate(s).
• Common Property: Would it disturb you to find your roommate listening to your music, watching your TV, or typing a paper on your computer when you got home from class? Does it bother you when someone borrows and wears your clothing?

Each of these issues has been a problem at one time or another, even when people were sure they had known their roommate all their life. Be sure to continually communicate with your roommate. If problems still arise, talk to your RA. Most problems can be easily dealt with if they are addressed early. The key is the ability to openly and honestly communicate with each other as roommates.

There is no guarantee you'll get what you want simply by asking. But you most likely won't get what you want if you say nothing.