Dorm Room Cleaniness & Etiquette

It can be quite a challenge for any dorm roommate, living with another student who is lazy, messy, or being irresponsible. In a double, you have to deal with the person because both of you are occupying one entire room. For those that live in suites, that one person can upset the rest of the occupants by not keeping the common area and kitchenette clean and tidy. It is especially difficult when that messy roommate is your best friend.

It is true that we all have different living standards. It depends on the environment, parents' upbringing, and their self-conduct. You might get the roommate who does not know he or she is a slob. You may get another roommate who knows he or she is a slob, but makes no attempt to clean after himself or be somewhat responsible. Or you get a roommate that tries to be clean and considerate but is not always consistent.

If you know there is going to be a problem, be proactive! I know some have suggested that you have to give some sort of financial incentive. It is kinda ridiculous because you're paying quite a lot for attending Case, and now you are paying $20 bucks to your suitemate to clean up after himself. That's pretty lazy. Maybe you can offer him a share of the empty soda and beer cans. He can take them to Dave's or Giant Eagle and get them recycled and he can pocket the nickels. Who knows if you have a penny pincher living in the suite.

Whether you are living in a double, triple, or a suite, start by drawing up a duty list at the beginning of the semester. Rotate on cleaning up the trash, the dishes and sink, dumping out the ashtray, and keeping the place just a bit tidy. Draw up some penalties like $5 bucks for missing your turn or you have to buy pizza for the suite or something.

It seems simple enough. But we do have to acknowledge that there are some people out there who are so lazy that they won't clean up the area until the ants and cockroaches start infesting the place. He could be the person that would hold impromptu social gatherings in the suite, but does not clean up the place afterwards. He won't partake in cleaning up the vomit and spilled beer on the carpet.

Yep, it's University property, but you and your suitemates have to live in that place for the whole entire semester, if not the whole entire academic year. Could you really deal with the smell for that long?

If it really gets bad, then your RA or RD should get involved. I understand that the suitemates have to take responsibility and learn to resolve the problem themselves, but there is always the situation that will require action from the "folks upstairs."

Or you can do it yourself, but in a nagging way. If the suitemate is really a slob, be extra anal with the cleaniness. If he left a piece of clothing with some trash, throw it all out, and apologise for the "accident." Use air freshener on a consistent basis. Start vacuuming the suite during the hours when he's sleeping. If he left some beer cans on the table, drink it all, and dump the rest and tell him that he probably drunk it all since he was passed out. Be literal in throwing his food out of the fridge one day after it's been there.

If they start complaining, then they can either deal with it and fuss up, or just transfer to another dorm suite or room next semester.