Community Living Expectations

Life Skills

To understand communal living expectations and communication protocols.

• Consider if you plan to disclose a disability or other private information to roommates. 
• Discuss your preferred communication style and how to give and receive feedback. 
• Prioritize open communication. 
• Sit down together and create a set of written rules that will identify how you will best meet each other’s needs. 
• Meet weekly to proactively discuss how things are going and discuss your plans and schedules for the week ahead. 
• Set clear boundaries. 
• Discuss expectations early on and check in regularly about progress. 
• Utilize visual aids when needed. 
• Be mindful of your sensory needs. 
• Find common interests and actively listen to your roommate's needs. 
• Speak with Residential Life/Housing/Disability Services about the realities of community living.

Research on/off-campus living options, and the roommate selection process and have a clear understanding of communication and problem-solving protocols. For on-campus options, research campus residential life policies and supports.