UNC Charlotte Housing | Living Agreement - Interactive Workbook

Introduction

In a perfect world, everyone would get along. As you begin your academic year in new (or old) surroundings, with new (or old) roommates, it's important to recognize that living in a perfect world takes a lot of work and effort.

Living with roommates is an exciting experience, but it can also be, well, frustrating. A Living Agreement can help you prepare for those times. Even if you are best friends now and think you couldn't POSSIBLY have problems living together, take the time to work through this on-line resource and develop a living agreement before issues arise. It will go a long way toward preserving the friendship you value so highly right now or perhaps creating new ones.

How to Use This Interactive Workbook

This interactive workbook is designed to help you and your roommate(s) build and maintain a good relationship. Roommate issues do not usually surface in the first couple of weeks, but you want to be prepared if they arise. Now is the time to start thinking about your living environment.

1. Read through the information included.

2. Complete this on-line workbook alone. This tool will help you identify your own values, habits, and needs. You will be better prepared to come together to talk about personal preferences.

3. Be honest with yourself and your roommates! A Living Agreement won't work if you agree to conditions you can't live with or maintain.

4. Schedule a meeting with ALL roommates to complete the Living Agreement.

5. Return the completed agreement to your RA as soon as possible.

General Expectations

~ Read your Resident Handbook. You can't agree to anything that conflicts with Housing and Residence Life policies, which are detailed in the Handbook.

~ Part of the university experience is introduction to people from different cultural backgrounds. Because you are living in a diverse community, you may encounter situations that challenge you. Open yourself to new experiences and let yourself be surprised!

~ Please feel free to invite guests to visit. Remember, however, that visitation is a privilege, not a right. Both you and your guests must respect the rights and wishes of your roommate(s) and other residents.

~ Earn the respect of your roommate(s) by extending to them the same courtesy you would expect from others.

~ Chill out. Talk it out. Work it out. Communicate in person, honestly and respectfully. Don't rely on Instant Messages or notes to tell others what you want or need.