Roommate Selection:

The Office of Residence Life seeks to match students based on the list of questions answered on the roommate questionnaire form including sleep and study habits, your major, and hobbies. The staff carefully matches students based on similarity to ensure success here at Bay Path in academics, a social setting, and residential living.

Communicating With Roommates:

As you think about your roommate and how you hope to interact, both of you might consider the following as talking points:

• Communicate (...and not just via social media or texting!)! Call them and TALK to them! This is the most effective tool for living together comfortably.
• What do each of you expect of your living arrangement? Do you prefer a quiet or relaxing room, social, fun hangout room?
• What can you and your roommate discuss that may prevent future problems? How will you work to resolve issues or disagreements?
• How do you both intend to discuss habits, personal values and priorities?
• What type of environment is best for you when you are angry, depressed, stressed, or happy? How do you expect your roommate to support when you are feeling any of these emotions?
• Which of your belongings can and cannot be borrowed or shared? (i.e. clothing, food, electronics)
• When are visitors and/or friends welcome? For how long?
• How neat do you both expect the room to be? Be realistic! Would you mind a little clutter from time to time? Will a messy space likely cause issues?
• What study habits will make both of you successful students?
• Be ready to make compromises. Think about how you can help support your roommate’s success!
• Always treat your roommate with respect All people and all situations are different, follow the Platinum Rule “Do unto others as they would want done to them.”
• Attempt to make contact during the summer to plan the upcoming year will help ease some anxiety about meeting for the first time.

While we assist in placing students based on similarities, we encourage and empower residents to communicate with their roommate to create the best and most respectful living environments for themselves. Be open with your roommate, and always communicate your needs; be responsive to your roommate, recognizing that they are adjusting to a new space. Expect the best! The communication skills you can develop in an effective roommate relationship are among the most valuable skills you will gain for your personal and professional life while in college.