How does roommate selection work?

Please note smoking on campus is prohibited, as Northern Arizona University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. Read the full policy for details.

Though you may smoke off campus, some students may be allergic or sensitive to the smoke lingering on your clothes. Other forms of smoking besides cigarettes include vaping, electronic cigarettes, hookahs, cigars, etc., so keep that in mind when answering how often you smoke:

• Frequently – you smoke regularly, such as daily or weekly.
• Never – you literally never smoke.
• Occasionally – while you do not typically smoke, you may have a cigarette once in a while.

This question asks you to rate how important keeping your room neat and clean is to you:

• Very important – you may like to have everything in its place, clothes put away, and trash thrown out each day. Messes, dirty dishes, laundry piles, or clutter may bother you if not taken care of that day.
• Not important – a messy room may not bother you. You may tend to clean up laundry piles and dirty dishes when you have time. You may not take the trash out every day. You may not notice right away that your room has become cluttered.
• Somewhat important – in general, you may prefer a tidy and clean room, but you may not get around to cleaning up right away. While not your preference to have a pile of dirty clothes or dishes waiting to be cleaned, it may not bother you if it is not taken care of that day.

As an incoming freshman, your sleep schedule will likely shift depending on your class schedule and when your day starts. For answering this question, you may want to think about when you go to bed on the weekends, or if you don't wake up before 8 a.m.

• Before 11 p.m.
• Between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.
• After 2 a.m.

Everyone spends free time in their own way, sometimes alone and sometimes with other people. As you answer this question, think about how you prefer to spend your free time. Do you like to curl up with a good book or take a quiet walk on your own? Do you like to spend time with your best friend getting coffee or seeing a movie? Do you like to hang out with a large group of friends or meet new people?

• Spend it on my own
• Spend it with one or two of my close friends
• Socialize with many people

Studying includes homework, reading, preparing for quizzes or tests, writing papers, etc. Note that this may change as you transition from high school to college. Many students typically find out that college-level courses require more time studying and doing homework.

• A few days per week
• Most days per week
• Every day of the week

Some people can only sleep when it is very quiet, while others prefer to have music, a noisemaker, or fan while they sleep. Keep in mind that when living in a campus living hall, there are hundreds of other students living around you, so you’ll likely experience and get used to the ambient noise in the hallway or from the room above. For this question, think about your immediate room. Are you a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Think about noise, light, guests, and other possible distractions during sleep. What do you like the background noise level to be?

• Low – may mean you are a light sleeper and anything more than a white noise machine, fan, or low lighting may likely disrupt you
• Moderate – may mean that soft music, lights, TV, or a computer game in the background will likely not disrupt you
• High – may mean you are a deep sleeper and music, talking, TV, computer use, and lights will not likely disrupt you

In this question, “quiet study” refers to times when you will need more focused and intense focus on your studies, such as preparing for an exam or writing an extensive paper. This question does not refer to daily homework or group projects.

• Not important – you will likely find a quiet space in the library, study lounge, or other nook.
• Somewhat important – in general, you will likely study outside of the room, but you would like the opportunity to study in your room occasionally.
• Very important – you typically prefer to study primarily in your room.

This question asks how important it us to use your room for hanging out with friends. Do you like to have friends visit you? Do you prefer to visit other people in their rooms and have your room for your own time? How often do you like to socialize with friends?

While there are many options to hang out with others such as the living community floor lounges, lobbies, game rooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, or outside or at the dining hall, some students prefer to hang out together in their living space. Please review the Campus Living Policies for our full policy on guests and visitation.

This question asks about the importance of having your roommate become a close friend. It is important to think about your expectations so you’re not disappointed. Do you want to be best friends, but your roommate just wants a respectful living environment without hanging out together? While some roommates become lifelong friends and like to spend time together, others can be excellent roommates without becoming close friends. Either way, communication is key in all situations!

• Very important – you envision an ideal roommate situation where you become close friends and spend a lot of time together; while you do not want to force a friendship, you would likely be disappointed if one did not develop.
• Not important – you would like to establish and maintain a respectful environment, and you prefer to hang out with other people to provide some space and balance; you do not expect to become close friends but want to be good roommates.
• Somewhat important – you are open to developing a good friendship if it happens but do not want it to be forced; you will not be upset if you do not become close friends, but you still want to be good roommates.

There are a few ways to search for roommates in the portal. Please note that you can only search for roommates who have also completed the application.

• Browse overall best-matched roommates. You can see others whose responses to the roommate questionnaire were similar to yours and are not currently part of a group.
• Browse best-matched roommates based on specific questions. You can browse the profiles of others who answered a roommate questionnaire question a certain way and are not currently part of a group.
• Search and request a specific roommate. You can find a specific person by their NAU UserID (abc123) or Web Name (42587).
• Browse best-matched roommates based on academic major. You can browse the profiles of others who have the same major.

Potential roommates are listed based on how well their answers in the roommate questionnaire match your answers.

The percentage shown represents the number of questions answered the same way, so the higher the percentage, the greater the number of matched answers. You can click on “View Profile” to review responses to the roommate questionnaire, personal bio, and other details.

We encourage you to communicate and get to know potential roommates to help you determine your interest in living together. You can message potential roommates through the housing portal by clicking on “Send Message” next to the person’s bio. While talking to a potential roommate can be intimidating, it can also be a lot of fun as you continue to share information and meet someone new.

Suggested questions

Pick 4–5 of the questions below to help introduce yourself. Then as you correspond, ask other questions to build on what you’re learning about each other. Exchange phone numbers and chat over the phone—this will help you get a great sense of how well you connect. It’s also important to note that even if you already know the person you plan to live with, it is still critical to discuss these questions. Knowing someone from high school—whether a best friend or an acquaintance—is not the same as living with that person!

• Where are you from/hometown?
• Why did you choose NAU?
• What is your major?
• What are some of your hobbies or interests? How do you spend your free time?
• How do your friends describe you?
• Unique habits?
• Do you know anyone else who is going to NAU?
• Night owl? Early riser? How many hours do you typically sleep each night? Do you take naps during the day?
• Activities you were involved with in high school?
• What’s your biggest pet peeve?
• What is okay for a roommate to do while you sleep? (TV, music, typing, gaming, talking on the phone, etc.)
• What kind of music do you like? Preference for speakers or headphones?
• Favorite TV shows, movies, books, games?
• Are you in a relationship? If so, are they also going to NAU?
• Do you plan to get a job while in school?
• Do you drink/smoke/party? How do you feel about alcohol/drugs?
• Do you like sports? Watching? Playing?
• How do you feel about guests/visitors in the room? How often? Same-sex/opposite-sex guests?
• How often do you clean? What is your definition of clean?
• Time of day you like to study? How much do you study?
• How do you respond to stress?

Suggested email template

To help you start the conversation, use the template below for your initial email to a potential roommate:

Hello <screen name>!

My name is <first name>. I saw your profile in the housing portal as a potential roommate match and wanted to see if you’re interested in talking some more. I’ve answered some of the suggested questions below to share some initial information about me.

1. Where are you from/hometown?
Ex: I’m originally from Denver, CO, but moved to Glendale, AZ, when I was in 6th grade. While I’ve enjoyed living here, I’m excited to get back to the mountain air!

2. Why did you choose NAU?
Ex: I’ve known a few people from high school who have gone to NAU and they love it! When I visited Flagstaff and the campus, it seemed like a great fit with friendly people. I’ll be away from home but close enough to head back every once in a while if I need to.

3. What is your major?
Ex: I’m a Computer Science major. I’ve always liked computers and math, and I’ve developed a few apps. I haven’t decided if I’ll have a minor yet, but I want to explore a few options.

4. What are some of your hobbies or interests? How do you spend your free time?
Ex. I love the outdoors—especially hiking and climbing, but I also enjoy developing apps and games. I usually hang out with friends on the weekends—movies, going out to eat, or climbing. My favorite TV shows are Big Bang Theory and Stranger Things.

That’s a little bit about myself. If you’re interested, email me back with some of your responses. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

<first name>

To initiate a roommate request, click on “Add to Roommate Group” next to the student’s personal bio. A roommate group is automatically created.

• You can only be part of one roommate group at a time.
• The person who initiates the invitation becomes the group leader.
• Those who accept invitations become group members.
• A roommate group may consist of 2–4 members.

When you invite others or have been invited to a roommate group, you will see a list of pending requests.

• Any group member can invite others or cancel pending requests.
• “Pending Outgoing Requests” are for people that you or a group member have invited to be part of your roommate group and are awaiting their decision to accept or decline.
• “Pending Incoming Requests” are invitations from others to be part of their group and are awaiting your decision to accept or decline.
• Those who accept invitations are displayed as group members.
• Those who decline will not become a group member and will be removed from Pending Incoming/Outgoing Requests.

• If you no longer want to be part of a group, you will need to first remove yourself from your current group.
• While a member of a group, you cannot be invited to other groups. To be added to a different group, first remove yourself from your current group.
• If you are the group leader, you will need to “Pass Leadership” to another member before leaving the group.

Your roommate’s email address can be found on their profile on your application status page in the Housing Portal. Be sure to email your roommate to introduce yourself if you haven’t yet, and start to correspond regularly. Set up a time to talk on the phone or online to continue to get to know each other better.

If possible, try to arrange to meet in person over the summer. If you happen to live relatively close to each other, you may plan to meet up for lunch.

The more personal interactions you have before move-in day, the more comfortable you will be with one another. If you can’t meet up in person, continue to touch base over the phone, WhatsApp, or FaceTime.

As you get closer to August and you start to shop and pack for college, it is a great idea to compare notes and plan together. Here are some important topics to discuss prior to moving in:

• What time will you arrive?
• What are you bringing for the room: TV, computer, microwave, any big items?
• What types of room decorations are you planning to bring?
• Is anyone coming to help you move in?

Overview

The roommate agreement process initiates communication, establishes shared living expectations and responsibilities, and provides a great foundation for roommate satisfaction. Complete or access your roommate agreement in the Resources and Forms section of the Housing Portal each semester you are living on campus.

Your Community Assistant (CA) will talk about the roommate agreement process at the first floor meeting. They will also follow up with you and your roommate(s) to help reinforce the ideas and “room rules” that you put into place.

Process

1. Once all roommates have moved into the unit, plan a time in the first week for everyone to discuss and complete the online roommate agreement. By discussing these items now, you can set expectations together for the room and decrease the chance for future conflict and misunderstanding.
2. In the Resources and Forms section of the Housing Portal, one roommate will record group decisions to the prompted Roommate Agreement questions, saving often to prevent losing work.
   • For those in a suite or apartment, roommate pairs will be prompted to set expectations for sharing the bedroom within distinct portions of the same roommate agreement.
3. While still together, all people in the unit will log in to the Housing Portal individually to finalize and agree to the roommate agreement.
4. The completed roommate agreement will be accessible throughout the semester. If agreement edits or additions are needed, roommates will be prompted to log back in to the housing portal to agree to submitted changes. If a new roommate group is formed, a new roommate agreement should be established.

• Be clear from the beginning. Do you already know that it bothers you when someone hits the snooze button several times? That you’re a neat freak? That you need ten minutes to yourself before talking to anyone when you first wake up? Let your roommate know as soon as you can about your little quirks and preferences. It’s unrealistic to expect your roommate to read your mind, and communicating what you need is one of the best ways to prevent conflict.
• Address things when they’re small. Has your roommate eaten your last package of ramen noodles? Does his typing late at night keep you awake? Addressing things that bug you while they’re still small can help your roommate be aware of something she may not otherwise know. Addressing little things is much easier than addressing them after they’ve become big issues.
• Respect your roommate’s belongings. This may seem simple, but it’s typically one of the reasons roommates experience conflict. Don’t think he’ll mind if you borrow his headphones? Her clothes? Talk through what is okay to share or borrow, and what is off-limits. Don’t assume that because your roommate told you it was okay to use their laptop that you can use their bike. Also, talk about how often it’s okay to use something—borrowing something once in a while is different than every day.
• Be aware of who you invite into your room and how often. You may love having your study group use your room, but your roommate may not. Be mindful of how often you bring people over. If your roommate studies best when it’s quiet and you study best in a group, alternate who heads to the library and who uses the room.
• Lock the door and windows. This may seem like it has nothing to do with roommate relationships, but how would you feel if your roommate’s laptop got stolen during the ten seconds it took you to run down the hall? Or vice versa? Locking your door and windows is a critical part of staying safe on campus.
• Be friendly, without expecting to be best friends. Successful roommate relationships are not dependent on friendship. While a great friendship may or may not develop, be careful not to expect that you are going to be best friends for the time you’re in college. Expecting or depending on it sets both of you up for misunderstanding or disappointment. You should be friendly with your roommate, but also make sure you have your own social circles.
• Be open to new things. Your roommate may be from someplace you’ve never heard of before or may have a completely different religion or lifestyle from your own. Be open to new ideas and experiences. That’s why you went to college in the first place!
• Be open to change. You should expect to learn and grow during your time at school, and so should your roommate. As the semester progresses, realize things will change for both of you. Be comfortable addressing things that unexpectedly come up, setting new rules, and being flexible to your changing environment.
• Address things when they’re big. You may not have been totally honest with tip #2. Or you may suddenly find yourself with a roommate who goes wild after being shy and quiet for the first two months. Either way, if something becomes a big problem, address it quickly so it doesn’t become worse.
• Walk in someone else's shoes. Before making assumptions, try to step back and think about what your roommate’s perspective may be in a situation. Then ask your roommate and listen. You may not agree, but it will help to open your mind to different opinions and experiences.

How to tell there is an issue:

• Your roommate may not want to talk to you, may leave the room when you enter, or may complain about you to friends.
• Your roommate may become annoyed with you over little things. If you start to notice these things, you should not ignore them. If a problem is addressed early, there is a better chance of it being worked out amicably.

How to address the issue:

Remember that a solution will probably involve each person giving something and getting something. The solution may not be your ideal scenario, but it should be an improvement on the current state of things.

• Approach your roommate in private.
• Confirm that this is a good time for both of you to talk. If one of you feels rushed or blindsided, they will be less able to communicate effectively.
• Be direct. Discuss the issue with regard to behaviors rather than personality traits. This tactic is less likely to put your roommate on the defensive.
• Be patient. Listen to your roommate and remember that there are two sides to every story.
• Each person should be given a chance to present what they feel the problem really is.
• Revisit the roommate agreement. Which of your guidelines are working and which ones need to be reconsidered?

Most roommate conflicts result from miscommunication or, in some cases, a total lack of communication. If you can communicate effectively, it will be much easier to develop a comfortable living environment for yourself and your roommates:

• Talk to your roommate directly when something is bothering you. Don’t discuss it behind their back because this can cause a breakdown in trust between you.
• Be direct. Be clear about what is bothering you. If you don’t tell your roommate that there is a problem, they won’t be able to do anything about it.
• Remember that communication works two ways: talking and listening. Neither one is effective without the other.
• If you create a win-win situation, the conflict is more likely to be resolved. Evaluate the needs of both sides before a solution is proposed, and make sure the solution is acceptable to both parties.
• Respect each other’s differences. Everyone has different values, lifestyles, expectations, and communication styles. Get to know each other and establish common ground. It is easier to solve a problem with a friend than with a stranger.
• If you are upset with your roommate, chances are that s/he is upset with you as well. Engaging in dialogue means that you need to be able to listen and give everyone a chance to speak. Criticism is bound to happen, and your natural reaction will be to criticize back, but that will only compound the problem. Learning to accept criticism will help you communicate and live with your roommate. If you both find that you are approaching the limit and things are not being resolved, agree to take some time away from the discussion to give you each time to process what is going on. This will also give you each time to develop feedback that will not be hurtful and fueled by anger.

In difficult discussions such as roommate conflicts, it is very helpful to have a third party help facilitate the discussion. Our Campus Living Community staff, including Community Assistants (CAs), are trained to assist roommates with developing and enhancing conflict resolution skills. If you find that you and your roommate are having difficulty resolving your conflict, you should discuss this option with any Campus Living Community staff.

On-campus community members can find and access their roommate agreement online.