Office of Student Life
Housing and Residence Education

Living With Roommates

Students at Ohio State represent a wide array of perspectives, cultures, life-styles and attitudes. Through classroom experience, exposure, critical thinking and interactions within the residence halls, Ohio State's goal is to provide an experience that demonstrates the importance of a global perspective and worldview to student success.

Before Arriving on Campus

By being a member of the residence hall community, you accept the responsibility to maintain a spirit of mutual respect and understanding, and to abide by the Ohio State community standards. These include respecting others’ privacy, appreciating differences and behaving in ways that support a learning, inclusive, safe and supportive environment. As such, the “Scarlet and Gray” Rule always applies:  Treat others as you'd like to be treated. 

We encourage students to be cognizant of the messages they send and/or convey through their face-to-face, phone and online interactions (i.e. Instagram, Snapchat, etc.).  Before requesting changes based on cultural, sexual or religious orientation or social media profiles, our cornerstones will always first dictate that you are encouraged to meet your roommate and get to know them better.

Students Currently Residing in the Residence Halls

We encourage roommates to create and sign a roommate agreement in the early part of the year to prevent potential misunderstandings.

In the event of a roommate conflict, your responsibility is to work out your differences civilly, maintaining courtesy, sensitivity and respect. If you develop a conflict that you cannot seem to resolve, contact your Resident Advisor (RA). He/she has been trained to listen and provide additional ideas for resolving the conflict.

Accoridng to a 2018-2019 Resident Survey, students speak highly of their RA's response to conflict.

  • 90.8% of students said that their RA/CA "remains objective when addressing community conflicts and mediation needs"
  • 89.3% said that their RA/CA "does not discuss my issues with peers and other residents." 
  • 92.8% of residents said their RA/CA "identifies and offers assistance to myself and others with personal, academic and other needs."

If your conflict persists beyond your RA, you may contact your Hall Director. He or she will pursue mediation with all members present to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. If both roommates refuse to pursue an amicable solution, both roommates are subject to relocation, dependent upon availability.