We want you to enjoy this year as you begin, or continue, your journey at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. A good place to start is by developing a relationship with your roommate(s). In order to develop a healthy roommate relationship, it is vital that you begin communicating right away. This guide is designed to help you do just that. Read more Shortly after the semester begins, your Resident Assistant (RA) or Apartment Assistant (AA) will host a community meeting to explain the online roommate agreement. You will be asked to meet with your roommate(s) and complete the agreement by a specific date. Your RA/AA will be able to track your progress and follow up. Please remember that staff members are available throughout the year to revisit previous decisions should they not be working out for you and your roommate(s). You will always have the ability to make changes to the agreement at any time. Our number one priority is to assist you in making your experience at Rutgers University a positive one. Read less

Roommate Guide & Agreement
Before you complete the Roommate Agreement, spend some time getting acquainted with your new roommate(s). Talk together (preferably privately), keep your conversations in confidence, only ask questions that you are willing to answer, be honest, and be respectful. Also, take some time before the meeting to reflect on your personal, social, and cultural routines so you are better able to express your needs during the agreement process.
Use the categories outlined in the following pages to start a discussion about your expectations for day to day living. As you talk, record the key issues that relate to each topic and several possible solutions. Make sure the solution you select is in keeping with the policies and procedures published in the University Code of Student Conduct and the Residence Life Policies.
University Code of Student Conduct: studentconduct.rutgers.edu/university-code-of-student-conduct
Residence Life Policies: ruoncampus.rutgers.edu/policies/
Read more Use of Room & Quiet Hours Use of Common Areas Cleanliness Use of Personal Property Social/Spiritual/Cultural Behavior Guests/Visitors Resolving Conflicts Read less
Once your living arrangement is defined, sit down as a group to fill out the online roommate agreement. One resident should go to bit.ly/ruagreement (will be accessible starting on Sept. 3) and login using their NetID and password. Together, answer each of the questions asked. When complete, each roommate will be able to sign off on the agreement before it gets sent to Residence Life. Each resident will need to log in with their respective NetID and password to sign off on the agreement.
Once the Roommate Agreement is completed, refer to it whenever an issue arises. Does the agreement address the situation at hand? Is the agreement clear enough to resolve the situation? Does the agreement require renegotiation?
If the Roommate Agreement requires renegotiation, which is possible at any time during the academic year, follow steps one through three to negotiate the previous arrangement. If you are unsuccessful in working through a conflict, contact your RA/AA for consultation or additional mediation with Residence Life Staff.
The myth that roommates need to be best friends is false. Acquaintances can be excellent roommate(s), as long as respect and willingness to communicate are present. If you and your roommate(s) aren’t close – do not despair! It probably means that you have found other people with common interests in other areas, and you are probably focusing your energy and friendship on them.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Go into a new roommate(s)/suitemate(s) relationship with an open mind.
- Be honest about what you need to be comfortable.
- Talk to your roommate(s) right away if something bothers you.
- Avoid gossip.
- If you encounter a situation that you have not been able to resolve, contact your RA/AA.
- Treat your roommate(s) the way that they would like to be treated.
For additional support, please contact your respective campus office.