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| Roommate Information Off-Campus Housing Supplies You with Choices! Where do you begin to look for a compatible roommate? Try the Off-Campus Housing Office to help you find the perfect match! Off-Campus Housing offers a variety of resources: · The Roommate Listing has individuals who have a place to live and need someone to move in with them. This listing can be accessed in the housing office and on this webpage. Call or e-mail the Housing Office to receive the password. 843-792-0394. housing@musc.edu · The Online Roommate Matching Service features detailed information about persons who need both a roommate and a place to live. This service is available by clicking here. · Roommate Finder Parties are sponsored throughout the spring and summer. These parties allow students to meet other students in an informal setting with the hopes of meeting someone with whom they are compatible. Scheduled Roommate Party Dates for 2008 are: Off-Campus Housing invites you to attend a Roommate Finder Party at the Medical There are no more Roommate Finder Parties for 2008. Frequent Sources of Conflict Having a roommate can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. You hope to have a roommate who shares your interests and good times, but sharing an apartment can sometimes result in a few problems. Experience shows that roommates who get along well usually work at it. Despite the best preparation, there will be times when you and your roommate disagree about your living environment. Here are some common conflicts:
Before confronting your roommate with problematic issues, try to identify those issues for yourself. Be clear as to why they are a problem for you. For more help with solving roommate conflicts, read over Strategies for Conflict Resolution below. Strategies for Conflict Resolution Step 1 Communication: Effective communication is essential for the resolution of a roommate conflict. The parties involved must be free to express themselves. Make an effort to allow the other party to speak without interruption, to listen actively and with patience, and to encourage full discussion of the problem at hand. Avoid placing blame. Use statements such as, "I feel..." rather than, "You...". Concentrate on specific problems and avoid emotional confrontations. Step 2 Definition: In order to discuss the problem, you must first define it. Be specific in your definition of the problem. Talk about it together to make sure each of you clearly understands the other's position. It may be that there is merely a misunderstanding. Step 3 Solution: Brainstorm together to come up with different solutions, allowing each person to express their ideas. Step 4 Education: Review and evaluate the solutions you have generated. This is the time to negotiate. Be clear about the ways in which you are willing to compromise. Decide together on the best solution. Step 5 Taking Action: After you have settled on the best possible solution, you must agree on the best method to put it into action. Be very clear about how it will work; describe it in specific terms. Don't become discouraged or impatient, and keep the lines of communication open. Step 6 Check Back: Agree to meet together in a week or so to check on your plan of action. Is it working? Is everyone satisfied? If problems continue, contact the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office at 792-4930 to arrange to meet with a mediator free of charge. Keep in Mind: Communication is the key to successful conflict resolution! |