Living with a roommate during the COVID-19 pandemic will take additional effort to help keep you safe, but it isn't impossible. Here are some quick tips for navigating a shared space:

Do:

• Discuss with your roommate what living safely together means to you. You can use your roommate agreement as a guide for this conversation.
• Disinfect laptops, cell phones, door handles, counters, bathrooms, and any of the common spaces regularly.
• Wash your hands regularly using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. 
• Keep your personal toiletries in safe, clean spaces. For instance, you shouldn't leave your toothbrush out by the sink.
• Wash your clothes and bedding often.
• Wear a mask when you're outside of the space. Keep a few cloth masks to wear around. Wash your mask(s) by hand each night. We recommend you keep one in your car, your room, your backpack, and any other place you may frequently visit.
• When you are not wearing your mask, make sure you are coughing, sneezing, etc. in your elbow. If it's allergy season for you, make sure you are communicating that clearly to the people around you, especially roommates.
• Follow all recommendations by the CDC and the Campus Health Center for communicating personal symptoms you may be experiencing.
• Hold yourself accountable in following your roommate agreement. 
• Review and discuss housing information and any changes with each other frequently. 

Don't:

• Forget that you share your space. Be cautious of your music habits, virtual socializing habits, workout habits, etc.
• Accuse your roommate(s) of being infected because they sneeze or cough. Some people have allergies or other related conditionals that have nothing to do with COVID-19. Such accusations could escalate to conflict. Open communication is essential.
• Attend spaces of large groups not following guidelines. This means you should stay away from large gatherings like parties, clubs and restaurants, concerts.
• Put yourself in situations where people aren't engaging in physical distancing or where people are not wearing masks.