How will my roommate(s) and I be matched?

Compatible lifestyles. The staff will match roommates and suitemates based on the general lifestyle criteria such as sleep, study and socializing habits and priorities about guests, personal property and orderliness. We believe that these basic habits are important areas of roommate compatibility. However, we do not match personal preferences or personalities. This is because you wouldn't want to live with your clone even if we could identify that person!

Diverse individuals. More importantly, we ask that you prepare yourself to be accepting and respectful of others in your living area and bring with you to the Trinity community an enthusiasm to interact with all types of people. The Trinity University Residential Life staff believes in providing a diverse living environment within our first year residence halls. To foster this kind of environment, we will not accept specific roommate and/or hall requests.

Successful roommates. The best roommates are those who practice communication, courtesy and compromise. Regardless of your individual habits and quirks, these interpersonal skills will make for a positive environment in your room and prepare you well for life! Start practicing communication, courtesy and compromise with your roommate this summer as soon as you receive their contact information with your assignment!
After your first year, students select their own roommates. Click here for more information about the three year residency requirement.

Triple rooms. Because of the inexact nature of predicting the number of incoming students, we do have some rooms with three residents offered at a 20% discounted rate. While these spaces are among our largest, they were only constructed to house two, and we supply an additional desk and bed.  These will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis to those who express an interest. However, even if you do not request a triple room, space needs may require us to assign you with two other roommates.

Courtesy
Smile and greet each other. Learn neighbors' names. Seek the other person's well-being, not just your own. Take phone messages for your roommate seriously. Listen when they need you. Give one another space to have other friends. Be patient. Even when a conflict arises, respect the other person enough not to share your complaints with people who don't need to know.

Communication
Even if you are good friends, most people can't read your mind. Be clear about your needs. Ask before borrowing something or bringing guests to your room. When something bothers you, just say so honestly and tactfully — they may not even realize the problem. Talk about the behavior that bothers you; don't criticize the person. Try to use "I" statements instead of accusing.

Compromise
You would go crazy if your roommate and neighbors were exactly like you. Have an open-mind about their differences and find ways that you can accommodate one another. Give and take. If someone really upsets you, first take a moment to cool off. When you collect your thoughts, try to understand the situation from their perspective. If you have done something careless or unkind, have the courage to apologize. When some one apologizes to you, offer your willing forgiveness.