Living with roommates
Living with roommates is an essential part of your time at Iowa. Most students living on-campus will have a roommate. Having roommates can be a great experience, but it can also be challenging.
Our goal is to provide you with the support services you need. We've included information on how to find a roommate, gender inclusive roommate options, how to plan for success and general tips on how to make the most of your time living on campus.
Requesting a roommate
Students that will be living with us beginning in August will be able to search for and request a roommate within your housing application in the housing application portal if applying by the May 1 deadline. Students are encouraged to complete the lifestyle questionnaire openly and honestly. This allows you to tell a bit about yourself so that other students who have similar preferences (or lifestyles) to yours, can use the roommate matching tool in order to find other similar students.
Once you find a student who you would like to live with, we recommend reaching out to that student. Both you and your roommate will need to mutually confirm one another within the housing portal.
New Student roommate matching opens on March 2, 2026 for those students that have applied for housing.
Open housing
This roommate option allows you to apply to housing spaces without regard to gender. It is focused on creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where students can live together regardless of sex and/or gender expression.
All students are eligible to participate in open housing, but you must opt-in to the program. All of our residence halls are mixed-gender living environments. On your housing application you will need to select, “Yes, I am interested in participating in open housing." You will then receive an email with information about roommate matching.
Open housing is not intended for students in a romantic relationship.
Roommate success plan
We have put together a roommate agreement that includes topics to help roommates and suitemates better understand each other’s needs, beliefs and expectations. The roommate agreement is a guideline for a respectful and fun living environment. You will fill out the plan together and go over it with your RA.
Tips for success
Having roommates introduces you to new people, habits, routines and lifestyles. Here are some tips for a successful roommate relationship.
Think "we" not "me"
Approach conversations with the mindset of creating a shared living space that works for both of you, rather than focusing on individual wants or demands.
Communicate with curiosity
Ask open-ended questions to understand your roommate’s perspective. For example: “How do you think we can make things work better for both of us?”
Be clear and respectful
Share your thoughts using “I” statements, such as, “I feel stressed when the room is messy.” Avoid blaming or making assumptions.
Brainstorm solutions together
Collaborate to come up with ideas that meet both of your needs. Start by asking, “What can we try that will help both of us feel comfortable?”
Follow up
Check in after a week or two to see how things are going. Ask, “How do you think our new plan is working?” Be open to adjustments if needed.