Your
Student and a Roommate Conflict
Helpful Hints for Assisting your Student if a Roommate Conflict
Arises
Parents are instrumental in providing support and assistance
to their student. By listening to your student you can be a
sounding board for them, providing support and perspective.
You can help your student to understand their role in the process
and empower them to affect their situation.
• Assure your student that having a roommate conflict is not
a rare occurrence. Living with someone requires ongoing
communication. Most roommates are able to resolve their conflict in a way
that meets everyone's needs.
• Listen to your student as they explain the conflict; ask if
it could be a misunderstanding instead of an intentional
dispute.
• Find out if your student signed a roommate agreement and whether
or not they have reviewed it lately.
• Ask whether they have sat down and had a heart to heart talk
with their roommate(s) about the issue. Students often think
they have communicated their feelings without having actually
expressed them.
• Don't be afraid to question whether your student may have had
a role in creating the conflict. Let them know you are not
criticizing, only suggesting a little self-examination. Reminding
them that conflict has two sides. Encourage them to consider
why their roommate(s) might see the situation from a different
point of view.
• Ask if they have contacted their Resident Assistant, Resident
Director, or Housing and Residence Life staff about the situation.
If they have not, please encourage them to do so.
• If your student is looking for additional information regarding
roommate communication please refer them to the Managing
Roommate Relations area in the Reslife.net website.
We hope these tips will help you to help your student initiate
a solution to a roommate conflict should one arise. If you
have any questions, concerns, or feedback please contact us.
MSC Resources for Parents
Advice for College Parents
Why College Housing
What to Expect
Your Student and a Roommate Conflict
College Safety
Suggested Reading
Recommended Links
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MSC Housing Residency Requirement
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Maverick Housing Guide
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