Rule 1: The Roommate Agreement: Have “The Talk” Early

A great first step is to sit down with your roommate within the first 48 hours to align on expectations. This proactive chat isn’t awkward—it’s the foundation for a great living situation.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few key topics to break the ice:

• Sleep Schedules (Are you a night owl or an early bird?) 
• Guest Policy (How to handle friends and significant others, especially overnight) 
• Study Habits (Do you need quiet or can you listen to music?) 
• Shared Items (What’s okay to share, like a fridge, and what’s off-limits, like laptops or clothes?)
• Cleanliness (How often will you take out the trash?)

Rule 2: Respect the Quiet Hours (And Use Headphones)

To ensure a peaceful environment for your roommate and neighbors, please be mindful of noise at all times and strictly observe designated quiet hours (e.g., 10 PM – 8 AM, Sunday through Thursday nights). Even outside of quiet hours, keep volume at a reasonable level. Sound can travel through walls and floors.

A big part of being a good neighbor is being mindful of sound. Here are a few easy ways to do that:

• Take it easy in the hallways. Hallways can act like echo chambers, so please keep moving and keep conversations brief and quiet.
• Plug in those headphones. For music, games, and videos, headphones are the best way to enjoy your stuff without disturbing your roommate or neighbors.
• Keep chats and calls chill. Whether you’re on the phone or hanging out, try to keep your voice at a level that stays in your room. This is extra important late at night when people are sleeping.

Rule 3: You Are Your Guest’s Keeper

We all love having friends over, but remember: you are responsible for your guests’ actions. This means if your guest is being loud, leaving a mess, or is disrespectful to your roommate or neighbors, you will be held accountable. Here’s a quick checklist for guests:

• You’re in charge: Make sure your guests know and follow the community rules.
• Always ask first: Before inviting anyone over, check with your roommate with a simple, “Is it cool if [friend’s name] comes by for a bit?”
• Keep it respectful: Your guest should never make your roommate feel uncomfortable or like a stranger in their own home.

Rule 4: The “Don’t Be Smelly” Rule (Cleanliness & Trash)

A clean space is more enjoyable to live in and much nicer when you have friends over. Maintain a baseline of cleanliness for your roommate and your own social life. Here’s how we can both help maintain a pleasant living environment:

• Trash & Recycling: Take it out when it’s full, not after it overflows.
• Dishes & Food: Please wash your dishes promptly and don’t leave food out. This is our best defense against unwanted pests like bugs and mice.
• Laundry: Do your laundry regularly so it doesn’t pile up.
• Your Personal Space: Keeping your side of the room generally tidy goes a long way.

Rule 5: Communicate, Don’t Passive-Aggressively Post

Disagreements with your roommate are normal! The trick is handling them well. Avoid leaving notes or posting online—talking directly is always better. Here’s a simple way to approach it:

• Talk sooner rather than later. Don’t let a small annoyance become a big deal.
• Be calm and use “I” statements. This helps keep the conversation friendly.
  • Instead of: “You’re so loud at night!”
  • Try: “I have trouble falling asleep with noise, could we find a quiet time after 11 PM?”
• Focus on finding a solution together. The goal is to fix the problem, not to win an argument.

Rule 6: Lock Your Door, Every Single Time

It might seem safe, but dorms aren’t immune to theft. The most common kind is just someone grabbing an opportunity—like an unlocked door. Think of it like putting on your seatbelt—it’s a simple, non-negotiable step for safety. Lock It. Every Time. No Excuses.

• Running to the bathroom? Lock it.
• Going to the vending machine? Lock it.
• Just stepping out for a moment? Lock it.

Rule 7: Respect Shared Spaces (Kitchens & Bathrooms)

It’s all about respect. A little effort from everyone makes these spaces nice for everyone, while leaving a mess for others is a fast way to create tension. Here’s how we can avoid mess and frustration:

• In the Bathroom: Remember to grab your shampoo bottles and caddy after your shower. It gives the next person a clean slate.
• In the Kitchen: Please clean up right after yourself. That means washing your dishes, wiping up spills, and not letting your old food live in the fridge forever.

Rule 8: Keep Your Personal Business Private

In a dorm, nothing is truly private, neither in person nor online. Dorm life means close quarters and thin walls. A good rule of thumb is to be mindful of what you say and where you say it. .

• Walls have ears. Be aware that conversations in your room or on the phone can easily be overheard by neighbors.
• Social media is public, even if it feels private. Venting online about dorm drama usually backfires and makes things worse for everyone.