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  1. Home
  2. Offices and Divisions
  3. Student Affairs
  4. Residence Life

Roommate Conflicts

Roommate Conflicts: Confrontation, Communication and Mediation

Living with roommates isn’t always easy. Sharing a living space may be stressful, and conflicts may arise. Sometimes situations that work at the beginning of the year become more difficult as the year goes on; remember that college is a time when students grow and change which can certainly impact even the healthiest of roommate relationships. It is perfectly normal to have roommate conflicts.

Many conflicts can be resolved easily with mature and respectful conversation between roommates. Other conflicts may be more difficult to resolve and may require assistance through a formal mediation process. In extreme cases, conflicts may not be able to be resolved resulting in a room change for one or both roommates. It is never our desire to force students to live in a room where the climate is wrought with tension and frustration or where conflict cannot be resolved. We do, however, expect students to make a sincere and collaborative effort to work through the conflict, communicate clearly their concerns, and develop strong conflict management or coping skills in the process. Our residence halls are also very full and at times we may not have the space available to move students into a new or different space.

Residence Life offers a number of resources to students facing roommate conflicts. Roommate conflicts are initially handled at the floor/community level by the Resident Assistant. Residence Life Coordinators often guide the RAs through each roommate conflict. Students seeking assistance should begin by talking with their RA.

Roommate conflicts and room changes are not addressed by the Director of Student Affairs or the Assistant Director/Director of Residence Life unless the hall staff requires assistance in doing so. It is also important to note that the college expects students, not parents, to work through the processes outlined on this site.

Residence Life

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  • Living on Campus
  • Roommate Conflicts
    • What is a Roommate Conflict?
    • Navigating Roommate Conflicts for Students
    • Roommate Mediation
    • Resources for Families
    • Helpful Hints for Assisting your Student if a Roommate Conflict Arises
    • Room Changes

Office of Residence Life

Spruce Residence Hall
814-949-5710 | [email protected]

HOURS
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

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See Also

  • Residence Hall Association
  • National Residence Hall Honorary
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • youtube
  • linkedin
  • tiktok
Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
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3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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