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BACK TO SCHOOL / MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / KANSAN.COM
HOUSING
Effective communication key to cohabitation
KANSAN FILE PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
Sharing space can be a challenging part of college life. A roommate contract can prevent conflict by setting boundaries and clarifying expectations.
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BY KIRSTEN KWON editor@kansan.com
While Baker's case may be extreme, roommate conflict is common. With strangers moving into small rooms and sharing space, issues often come up.
For only child Hannah Baker, living with a roommate for the first time was a challenge.
Baker, now a junior from Shawnee, and her roommate lived together as freshmen in Corbin Hall. At first it seemed like they'd be able to live together comfortably, but then the differences between the girls grew more severe.
"It started off with petty things" Baker said.
"We decided to split the cost of food, but she was keeping things from me and then we weren't communicating."
Gianfranco Villagomez, a junior from Peru, is a resident adviser in Hashinger Hall. He said he mostly saw
"Her stuff was still there when we came back for second semester," Baker said. "Eventually, I went down to the office and told them she left. They called her and gave her until a certain date to get her things."
Soon after the problems began, they quickly worsened. Baker said she found worn underwear in her drawer, where she believed her roommate placed them after she'd worn them without permission. The roommate left the dorm for several weeks later, leading Baker to believe she had unofficially moved out.
residents who had difficulty adjusting to their roommates' habits. In one case, a resident sought Villagomez's help when his roommate's girlfriend spent hours in the room.
"He couldn't go to sleep because they were there and they'd stay up until 2 in the morning." Villagomez said.
He suggested that the students talk to each other about their concerns. Villagomez said he tried to stay out of roommate conflict unless necessary.
"It has different questions about their habits, like if they like the room warmer or cold, of if they mind having people in the room," Villagomez said. "They sign it and it's a contract. It's ever-changing — if one isn't happy, we can review the contract and make it over again."
Roommate contracts are a way for residents to set boundaries and rules right away. Villagomez said his residents signed a contract within the first week.
Baker and her roommate did not sign a contract. She said this could have solved some of their issues early on.
"I would stress that you get that done," Baker said. "It's setting clear boundaries early on, which can make for a better living situation."
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"You should hang out with your roommate," Villagomez said. "The relationship will help. If you're friends, it's much easier to solve any problems."
Villagomez said his best advice for living with roommates was to get to know one another and to be open.
Final Fridays gives students new venue
BY MEGAN RUPP
mrupp@kansan.com
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the artwork, but for visual, design and performing arts students. Final Fridays is a unique chance to show off their talents. Michael Selby, a senior from Hays, is a graphic design major who said he plans to participate.
--potential to connect KU's design collective with the community of Lawrence." Selby said.
"Final Fridays really has a great
Starting Aug. 27, University students have an opportunity to showcase and view artwork in a new project called Final Fridays.
Dina Evans, director of career services and outreach for the School of Music, said she appreciated any opportunity for student musicians to get out of Murphy Hall and play for a new audience.
On June 22, city commissioners unanimously approved the Downtown Lawrence Arts District's request for $10,000 from the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission.
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