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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: August 31, 2012
Nearly all of the students who come to Georgia Tech have private rooms at home. Those who do share a room with a sibling typically have bedrooms larger than most of the double rooms at Tech. In addition, most students have never lived away from home, lived with a stranger or coped with the stress of the Georgia Tech curriculum. Add all these variables together and the potential for roommate problems becomes quite apparent. How can your student overcome this? By deliberate discussions about the basic fundamentals of social beings: asking permission, respecting the wishes of others, compromise, and sharing. The following is what we communicate to our residents.
The Basics
You and your roommate have most likely come to college with different values, beliefs, and customs. Differences can be exciting, but they can also offer new challenges to your interpersonal skills.
Building a foundation of open communication can enhance roommate success. Start by becoming acquainted with each other so you know what to expect.
Some of the goals of sharing a room are to create an atmosphere where both your personal and academic needs can be met, and it is always nice if a friendship can develop as well! Keep in mind that your roommate/suitemates/apartmentmates are not going to be just like you. You will need to adjust and compromise.
Being a Good Roommate Means . . .
Roommate Contracts
Roommate contracts may be utilized by Residence Life staff to help facilitate community living. This can be done at the start of the academic year or anytime throughout the year. All roommates will discuss and come to an agreement on the contract. The terms of the contract must be honored. A violation of the contract may result in judicial action.
Common Conflicts
Over time, Residence Life has learned to anticipate the basic pattern of roommate conflicts. Most can be summarized in five categories:
Supporting your Student
Be sure that you have heard "both" sides of the disagreement, or that you are not adding to the concerns. Remember, you do not have to live there! Ask if your student has shared this concern with their RA or PL. If not, please encourage them to do so. And while you want to get the situation resolved to your student's satisfaction, please remind him or her that willingness to compromise is important.
Housing's Policies on Room Moves
Because we start the beginning of the year at 100 percent occupancy, we simply have no space into which a student can be easily moved for a roommate conflict. We are prepared to help mediate a conflict and to work with all parties involved to create a livable situation. Please be sure your student keeps their PL or RA informed of the situation.
Click here for more information on Residence Life.
