Personality Differences

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One of the most challenging aspects of college life can be living with a roommate who has a different personality than yours. Residents have the responsibility to accept all other residents for whom they are and where they are from. They also have the responsibility to educate themselves on issues of diversity. It’s vital to be able to communicate differences and preferences in a peaceful and non-threatening manner. Preferences may include hours of sleep, study, and visitation practices. With a little understanding and communication, you can learn to appreciate and respect your roommate's unique traits and create a harmonious living environment.

Understanding Personality Types

  • Take a personality test to better understand your own personality type. Some popular personality tests include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Four Colors Personality Traits test.
  • Learn about different personality types and how they may interact with each other. For example, introverts and extroverts may have different needs for alone time and socializing.
  • Keep in mind that everyone is unique, and no two people have exactly the same personality.

Communication

  • Clearly communicate your needs and boundaries to your roommate.
  • Listen actively and be open to your roommate's needs and boundaries as well.
  • Agree on ways to accommodate each other's needs, such as setting quiet hours or creating designated study spaces.

Respect and Compromise

  • Show respect for your roommate's personality and perspective, even if it differs from your own.
  • Look for common ground and make compromises when necessary.
  • Remember that the goal is to create a comfortable living environment for both of you.

Shared Activities

A beneficial way to enhance your relationship with your roommates is to spend time together doing fun activities. However, it can be challenging to find things that everyone can enjoy and participate in. To help you and your roommates bond, we've compiled a list of fun, inexpensive and easy activities that you can do together.

  1. Cooking or baking together: Whether it's a homemade pizza night or a cookie baking marathon, cooking and baking together can be a great way to bond and learn new recipes.
  2. Game night: Gather around the living room and play board games or card games. It can be a great way to spend time together and have some friendly competition.
  3. Movie night: Pick a movie or TV show and watch it together. You can even make it a themed night, like a "90s movie night" or "scary movie night."
  4. Exercise class: Sign up for a workout class or yoga class together. It's a great way to stay healthy and bond over the shared experience of pushing yourself.
  5. Volunteer: Find a local charity or organization that you and your roommates are passionate about and volunteer together. Not only will you be making a positive impact in your community, but you'll also be bonding over a shared goal.
  6. Nature outing: Take a hike or bike ride together. It's a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors together.
  7. Celebrate Holidays: If you have a favorite tradition from growing up, consider sharing it with your roommates. It can be an exciting way to learn about your roommates' different pasts and cultures, and provide you with more opportunities to celebrate life.
  8. DIY project: Take on a DIY project, like decorations for your apartment. It can be a fun way to bond over the shared experience of creating something together.
  9. Plan a trip: Plan a weekend getaway or day trip together. It can be a great way to bond over the shared experience of exploring a new place.
  10. Have a potluck dinner: Invite your roommates over for a potluck dinner. Each roommate can bring a dish to share and you can enjoy a delicious meal together.
  11. Attend campus events: Join in the fun of the Aggie family by attending a campus event. Whether it be a game, networking night, recital, or party, there are so many ways you can participate in the fun of campus life. For a current schedule of events see the USU event calendar.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. The most important thing is to find activities that everyone enjoys and that bring you closer together. Remember to have fun and be open to trying new things.

Roommate Agreements

One built-in safe space for roommates to express their own and learn others personal preferences is the roommate agreement held at the beginning of each semester. The Roommate Agreement should address, among other things:

  • Study habits and preferences
  • Sleeping preferences
  • Guests, visitation, and personal privacy
  • Cleanliness
  • Social responsibility and engagement
  • Borrowing and sharing items
  • Other considerations Residence Life will help facilitate the creation of Roommate Agreements, along with conflict resolution under the terms of a Roommate Agreement, and, when necessary, facilitate the renegotiation of a Roommate Agreement.

As a result of this exercise, roommates should enter a Roommate Agreement that sets forth expectations regarding how roommates will share their living space.

Links to Personality Tests

Living with a roommate who has a different personality can be a learning and growing experience. By understanding your own personality type, and your roommate's, communicating clearly, showing respect and being open to compromise, you can create a comfortable living environment that respects each other's differences.