Roommate Success Resources

Sharing a living space is an important part of the residential experience. Successful roommate relationships are built on communication, mutual respect, and clear expectations. While every roommate situation is unique, many common concerns, such as cleanliness, guests, and shared responsibilities, can be addressed through early conversations.

The resources below are designed to help roommates communicate, establish expectations, and maintain a comfortable living environment throughout the semester. Whether you’re meeting with your roommate for the first time or looking for ways to refresh with someone you lived with last year, these tools can help you start the conversations. You can open each resource on your iPad through Notability to fill it out.

Roommate Agreement

The Roommate Agreement is a simple conversation guide that helps roommates discuss expectations before concerns arise. Topics include cleanliness, guests, communication preferences, sleep schedules, and other common living considerations. It also includes icebreaker questions to help roommates get to know one another and start building a positive relationship. This activity can encourage open communication and establish expectations early.

Download Roommate Agreement

Weekly Schedule Planner

The Weekly Schedule Planner allows roommates to share their typical schedules, including classes, work, practices, club meetings, and other commitments. Understanding when roommates are generally in or out of the room can help with planning study time, visitors, quiet hours, and daily routines. Increasing awareness of each roommate’s schedule will promote consideration for the shared space.

Download Weekly Schedule Planner

Roommate Chore Chart

Keeping a shared living space clean is easier when responsibilities are clearly defined. The Roommate Chore Chart provides space to assign and track cleaning tasks throughout the semester. Versions are available for the communal-style dorms, suite-style housing, and apartment-style living. This promotes accountability and maintains a clean, comfortable living environment.

Download Communal Style Chore Chart

Download Suite Style Chore Chart

Download Apartment style Chore Chart

Need Additional Support?

These resources are intended to help roommates communicate and work together successfully. If concerns arise that cannot be resolved through conversation, residents are encouraged to contact their Resident Assistant (RA) for assistance. RAs are trained to facilitate more in-depth roommate discussions and help residents navigate conflicts in a productive manner.

We encourage all roommates to utilize these resources early in the semester, before issues arise, to establish a positive and successful living experience. Please contact wisehousing@uvawise.edu with any questions or concerns.