Living with a roommate is an experience that can play a large factor in the outcome of a student's year, and while this fall some students are living with good friends, others are living with complete strangers.
Wendy Svoma, a UW-Madison junior, said she has enjoyed having a roommate.
\It's nice to have someone to come home and talk to,"" she said.
While living with roommates can be a positive experience, it is important to communicate frequently throughout the year in order to maintain good relationships, according to Julie Tatar, a psychologist with University Health Services Counseling and Consultation Services.
""Right now, we are in the honeymoon period where everyone is forgiving and kind ... but one month later, that's not the case,"" Tatar said. ""It is important to set some guidelines. It is a lot easier when you are starting to get going.""
In the event that conflicts are unable to be handled by the roommates alone, talking to a housefellow is a good next step, according to Bob McGrath, the director of Counseling and Consultation Services at University Health Services.
If the conflicts go beyond general preoccupation, UHS Counseling and Consultation Services can provide additional help.
""If it is interfering with their school life. ... We'd be looking at being more assertive ... asking why this is bothering the person,"" McGrath said.
For these purposes, there are counselors stationed in the Witte and Elizabeth Waters residence halls. For students not living in the residence halls, appointments can be made directly with UHS.
""Conflict is normal,"" Tatar stressed. ""If there is not any conflict in the room, that's weird.""
UHS Counseling and Consultation Services at Witte Residence Hall can be reached at 262-9410 and at 262-0432 for Elizabeth Waters Residence Hall. Students outside the residence hall community can contact UHS counseling services directly at 265-5600.
