Living on Campus

Housing and Residence Life at UNT is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive residential environment that promotes academic success, personal growth, and community engagement. As a member of our on-campus community, you have both rights and responsibilities that help maintain a respectful and thriving living environment for all residents. 

Your Rights 

As a resident, you have the right to:

• Be treated with fairness, dignity, and mutual respect by peers and staff.
• Live in a safe and secure space, free from harassment, discrimination, and intimidation.
• Report concerns harassment, bias, or policy violations.
• Study, sleep, and live in your room without unreasonable disruption.
• Access support from Residence Life staff, including Resident Assistants (RAs) and Community Directors (A/CDs), when challenges arise.

Your Responsibilities 

As a resident, you are expected to: 

• Abide by the policies, procedures, and standards outlined in the Housing Handbook and the Housing License Agreement.
•  Follow the UNT Code of Student Conduct and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Respect the privacy, property, and wellbeing of others in your community.
• Maintain cleanliness and follow all safety and guest policies.
• Respond to reasonable requests from Housing staff and university officials.
• Communicate openly with roommates and update roommate success plans as needed.
• Hold yourself and others accountable to community standards and expectations. 

Policy Enforcement and Updates 

Violations of Housing policies will be addressed through residence hall disciplinary procedures. Repeated or serious violations may be referred to the Dean of Students Office as potential violations of the Code of Student Conduct.
Housing policies and procedures may be updated at any time to reflect changes in university policy, administrative regulations, or applicable laws. Amendments are made under the authority of the Director of Housing and Residence Life and take effect upon approval by the Vice President for Student Affairs. This handbook is subject to change without notice and does not constitute a binding contract.

Sharing a living space is a unique and rewarding part of the on-campus experience. Whether you’ve known your roommate for years or just met, building a respectful and communicative relationship is key to a positive living environment.
 
We encourage residents to:

• Get to know your roommate or suitemate early—grab a meal, attend an event, or just spend time in your shared space.
• Discuss expectations around shared responsibilities, guests, noise, and privacy.
• Respect each other’s space and belongings, especially in shared areas like bathrooms and common rooms.
• Never take photos or videos of your roommate or suitemate in private spaces (e.g., bedrooms or bathrooms) without their explicit consent.

1. Communicate Openly and Often: Regular communication is key. Discuss expectations about noise levels, sleep schedules, and study habits early on to avoid misunderstandings.
2. Establish Clear Boundaries: Talk about personal space, shared items, and privacy needs. Clearly define what is okay to share and what is off-limits.
3. Schedule Regular Check-ins: Set aside time for periodic meetings to discuss how things are going, what is working, and what is not. This can help prevent issues from escalating.
4. Be Flexible and Willing to Compromise: Living with others often requires give and take. Try to find a middle ground on issues like decorating and space usage.
5. Divide Chores Fairly: Use a chore chart or rotating schedule to ensure everyone contributes to maintaining the living space.
6. Respect Each Other’s Need for Privacy: Everyone needs time alone, especially in the close quarters of a residence hall. Be mindful and considerate of your roommate’s schedule and space.
7. Handle Conflicts Constructively: Address disagreements directly and respectfully. Communicate clearly about what is bothering you without letting frustrations build up.
8. Keep Noise to a Minimum: Be aware of noise levels, especially during study times and at night. Use headphones when listening to music or watching videos.
9. Set Guidelines for Guests: Discuss and agree on visitor policies, including how often guests can visit, how long they stay, and how you will handle overnight stays. Remember that you are responsible for the actions and behavior of your guests.
10. Celebrate Differences: Embrace and respect the differences in background, culture, and lifestyle that each roommate brings to the living space.
11. Agree on Safety Practices: Establish rules for locking doors and managing personal safety within the shared space to ensure everyone feels secure.
12. Keep Shared Areas Tidy: Maintain cleanliness in common areas such as desk space, floor, and any shared appliances or furniture.
13. Show Appreciation: Small acts of kindness and gratitude can greatly enhance the roommate relationship.
14. Spend Time Together: Engage in activities like movie nights, game nights, or local events that can be enjoyed together and strengthen your bond.
15. Policy Reminder: While individual roommate preferences will create different living experiences, all Residents must abide by all UNT Housing Policies and may not make agreements that violate Housing Policies.

To support healthy roommate relationships, all residents are required to complete a Roommate Success Plan within the first month of moving in. This plan is a collaborative agreement that helps set expectations and open lines of communication.

Topics typically covered include:

• Study and sleep schedules
• Guest visitation
• Cleaning responsibilities
• Privacy and personal boundaries

Roommate Success Plans are meant to be living documents—residents are encouraged to revisit and update them as needed, especially if preferences or circumstances change. Your RA is available to help guide these conversations and ensure everyone feels heard and supported.

Conflict is a normal part of any relationship, and learning to navigate it is an important life skill. Most roommate issues can be resolved through open, respectful communication.

If you’re experiencing a conflict:

• Talk it out – Calmly share your concerns with your roommate using “I” statements (e.g., “I feel overwhelmed when the room is messy”).
• Be timely – Address issues early before they escalate.
• Go to the source – Speak directly with your roommate rather than venting to others.

If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own:

Contact your Resident Assistant (RA) for support and mediation. If needed, the matter may be referred to your Community Director for further assistance.
In some cases, Housing staff may determine that a room change is necessary. Residents who demonstrate a pattern of conflict with multiple roommates may be subject to relocation, removal from Housing, or referral to the Dean of Students Office for further review.