three people talking outside of a building

Living With a Roommate

Co-Living 

There is a balance between our social lives and moments of solitude. This page is trying to bring forth tips and points of reflection to help you be a better roommate and also handle the ups and downs that come with co-living. 

Self accountability and mental health awareness are powerful skills to make your experience at residence the best it can be.

PROS of Co-Living

students inside their building

  • Gain a potential life-long friend / love

  • Personal growth in communication with others

  • Emotional support and the ability to rely on others in your times of need. In all, you can build your support system to succeed in university !

  • Shared responsibly in maintaining your common spaces

  • Learn to set your own boundaries and compromise in ways that are mutually beneficial for both parties

CONS of Co-Living

Student conversing on viu residence

  • May have verbal disagreements that are your responsibility to work through or if unable to  get help from your community leader in resolving. 

  • Sharing your living space and "personal" space

  • Might have opposite schedules with school and/or sleep schedules. Have to create a system to work around differences. 

  • Social needs may differ as well as standards in hygiene and cleanliness. 

Golden Rule 

#1  Treat those as you want to be treated 

Life Lessons

If someone's actions are bothering you, don't keep silent and bottle up your feelings. It is in your benefit and roommate(s) to share how a behaviour is bothering you, so you can both move towards a resolution to the issue. It is not fair to expect people to read your mind and just "know" that something is bugging you. Be open to compromise and conversation.

Additional Resources