Students playing Jenga

Living with Roommates - Housing Dynamics

Most students live with roommates while in university. Think carefully about who you would like to live with. Do you know them well? Are they compatible with you? Will they share your approach to living together?

Here are some tips to consider about living with roommates:

  • Some roommates benefit from agreements about who will do what common tasks in the house/apt. Draft something you can all agree to and have everyone sign it. Post it on the fridge. UWindsor has a Housemate Agreement form that you can use (.pdf) for this purpose. 
  • Before you sign a lease, establish how the rent and other bills will be shared/covered. Write these commitments down and send them to all roommates electronically so everyone is clear on their commitments. 
  • Clarify before the lease is signed, or early on in the time of the lease what/how sublets will work. Are you okay with your roommate subletting to anyone or would you like to have a say on who lives with you in the event of a sublet situation?
  • Even with the best of intentions, roommate conflicts can happen. Early and regular communication about expectations and roles and responsibilities can be very helpful in minimizing conflict. If conflict still occurs, aim to be professional and communicate clearly. Listening is important. Be willing to make compromises, but also know your limits and communicate those clearly. Early, open, and clear communications can often be difficult but it is the best way to avoid and resolve disagreements should they occur.