Skip to main content
University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto

SMC Residence: Room & Roommate Assignments

Policy on Single/ Double Rooms | Roommate Assignments | Roommate Etiquette

Policy on Single / Double Rooms

All of our students in their first year of study will receive double room assignments. Only the following exceptions will be considered:

(1) students who have a medical condition that would make sharing a room an undue hardship; this would need to be verified by U of T's Accessibility Services;
(2) a transfer student who has already done a year at another university and;
(3) national scholars (students must be officially recognized by the UofT for this distinction - please see the UofT Admissions Website for more information about National Scholars).

The vast majority of students in their first year of study find that sharing a room is a very positive experience. The biggest advantage is that it prevents students from becoming isolated during their transitional year between high school and university and encourages them to become part of the larger residence community. All residents in their second year and above are offered private (i.e. single room) accommodation.

Roommate Assignments

Room Assignments 2006-2007\

The Dean of Students personally oversees the roommate assignment process and does his best to ensure that each freshmen receives a compatible match. This is accomplished through the information that you provide in the "SMC Personal Questionnaire". The questionnaire inquires about a wide variety of subjects ranging from sleeping habits and musical tastes, to one's program of study, and even favourite TV programs.

The most common causes of incompatibility between room-mates are differences in living habits and personalities. For this reason it is essential that those completing the questionnaire be as frank as possible about themselves. Everything in the Personal Questionnaire will be treated with strict confidentiality. Many students discover that their roommate becomes their best friend on campus while some even request to room together during their second year. Those who already know someone they would like to have as their roommate are encouraged to indicate this in the place provided on the Questionnaire. As long as the person identified agrees to the match, the request will be granted by the Dean of Students.

Roommate Etiquette

Having a roommate during your freshman year is a time honoured part of the university experience. The Dean of Students and his staff try hard to match compatible people based on the information provided in their personal questionnaires. While having a roommate has its advantages, sometimes you’ll both have to make an extra effort to live together harmoniously. During your first week at St. Mike’s, it is highly recommended that you and your roommate sit down and discuss how you would prefer to handle the following issues:

Sleeping

  1. Sleeping schedule:
    Discuss your time preferences for going to bed and waking up during the week and on weekends. How will you handle a situation where you come home and your roommate is already asleep or vice versa? Please be considerate if your sleeping patterns don't match.
  2. Decide how you will handle a situation where it is discovered that one of you snores.
  3. Do either of you like to have a nap during the day? Is so when?

Studying

  1. Do you want your room or the library to be your preferred study area?
  2. Do you prefer to study with the stereo on or off?

Telephone

  1. What is the latest you would prefer your roommate talk on the phone and receive calls until?

Music

  1. What kind and how loud do each of you prefer the music in your room? Although the Dean does his best to match people with similar musical preferences, do not automatically assume your roommate shares your tastes.

Hygiene

  1. Whenever two people share such close quarters it is imperative that both practice good hygiene. Be sure to shower daily with soap, use deodorant, brush your teeth regularly and use mouthwash. Do not use overpowering amounts of cologne.
  2. Don't cut your finger or toe nails in your room; use the washroom.
  3. Do not let your dirty clothes pile up and always keep them in a laundry basket. Your roommate should never be forced to handle your dirty clothes.
  4. Don't throw wet garbage (e.g. banana peels, apple cores, pizza crusts) in the garbage can in your room; use the one in the washroom (or corridor) which is changed daily.
  5. When should dirty dishes be washed? The same day they are used? The day after?

Guests

  1. Though you might think you have the greatest friends in the world your roommate might not be so sure. If you are entertaining and your roommate comes home, make plans to go to the common room or elsewhere.
  2. Make sure your guests realize that your roommate's possessions are off limits (this includes his bed for sitting on).

Borrowing & Lending

  1. If only one of you brought a fridge, stereo, VCR, hairdryer, microwave, computer etc., are you prepared to share these items or would you prefer your roommate bought his own? Don't be offended if your roommate prefers not to lend out his possessions.
  2. It is strongly advised that you refrain from making a habit of continually borrowing things from your roommate, even if he originally gave you permission to use anything you like. Every year roommates who initially said "what's mine is yours" often grow to regret their initial generosity.
  3. If your roommate lends you something such as a book or CD, remember that you are not at liberty to lend it to anyone else.
  4. Always put borrowed CDs and tapes back in their cases.
  5. Try to avoid borrowing anything without asking, even if you're sure your roommate won't mind.
  6. If you do borrow something (no matter how trivial) always replace it, or at least offer to replace it - even things like soda pop, a razor blade, etc.
  7. Do not ask your roommate for a bite of food or a sip of beverage which he is in the process of consuming. Wait until it is offered (and do not expect that it will!). Mooching is often a source of friction.
  8. It is strongly recommended that you never ask your roommate to lend you money, buy things for you on his credit card, or cover your share of a joint bill. Unpaid debts are a quick way to ruin a friendship.
  9. If your roommate was generous (or foolish) enough to lend you money, he should never have to ask for the money to be returned. Pay him back immediately!
  10. It is highly recommended that you do not borrow your roommate's clothes.
  11. Do not constantly ask your roommate to make change for the laundry. If he does make change for you remember to replace his coins the next day. He was probably saving them for himself.

Above all COMMUNICATE!