Living On-Campus

Our Framework

We’re excited that you’ve decided to join us here @CWRU. When you arrive on-campus, there will be many things to do, see, and accomplish. 

The on-campus living experience is vital to the growth and development of the whole student. CWRU has a two-year residency requirement, where all incoming students for the 2022-2023 academic year are required to reside in on-campus housing for their first two years.  

Gender Inclusive Housing and Bathrooms

CWRU offers a variety of housing options that are gender inclusive.  Gender Inclusive Housing is a space for transgender students, students exploring gender identity, non-binary, gender non-conforming students and their allies to live together in the residence halls. Gender inclusive housing is defined as a housing option in which two or more students may share a multiple-occupancy apartment or bedroom, in mutual agreement, no matter their biological sex and/or gender identity/expression.

As an institution committed to gender equity, CWRU has also been working to reduce restrooms that are restricted based on biological sex assigned at birth. Restrooms in residence halls will be designated as male, female, and all gender; however, residents can use any restroom that aligns with their gender identity. A listing of All Gender bathrooms can be found here.  

Sharing Spaces within a Community

Living on-campus is an important and exciting part of college life. CWRU, like most residential colleges, requires students to live in campus housing for their first two years. During this time, you will likely share a room with one, two or three roommates depending on your room assignment. Additionally, you should expect to share common areas like bathrooms, kitchens, study rooms, lounges, laundry rooms, bike rooms, and even hallways with your neighbors. 

Learning to share space is a huge step in your personal growth and development while in college. You’ll have to find ways to be considerate of your roommate(s) needs in addition to your own, to communicate honestly and respectfully about your concerns and needs, and to compromise when there are problems.  

Living with Roommates

Living with a roommate isn’t an add-on to your experience here; it’s an integral part. Learning interpersonal skills; initiating communication are essential skills that you will need to possess to be successful as a Chatham graduate (as an employee, a partner, and a parent). Living with a roommate in college will help you to learn to establish successful, mutually respectful, and courteous relationship throughout your life. We do our best in matching roommates based on information gathered on your housing forms prior to your start at CWRU.

What Happens If Things Aren’t Working?

If you don't think you and your roommate are going to be able to work it out, contact your Resident Assistant for support. They are training to help you address the problems and, ideally, find a solution that works for both of you.

Roommate Agreements

All roommate groups should complete a roommate agreement at the beginning of the academic year or when there is a change in the roommate grouping throughout the year. Residence Life staff for your community will provide more information about this process and are available to help answer questions or assist with concerns throughout the year.

Roommate Conflicts

While we encourage residents to reach out and work with their RA to solve roommate conflicts or issues, we understand this may not always be possible. However, anyone that experiences a roommate conflict that would like follow-up by Residence Life staff should connect with their RA or RCD as soon as possible. Being proactive and addressing issues and conflicts early can save time and stress later.