Roommate Ready: A Guide to Living with Your Sisters

Living with your sisters, whether in a chapter facility or an off-campus apartment, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Being surrounded by supportive, like-minded women creates more than a place to live, it creates a place to belong. The shared walks to class, late-night laughs, and heartfelt conversations create more than a home—they create a sisterhood. While living with your sisters is a memorable chapter in your life, it also presents unique challenges, such as learning how to establish boundaries, finding balance and learning how to compromise. As you prepare to live with your sisters, we’ve compiled our top tips inspired by our members’ real experiences to set up your roommate relationships for success.

1. Get to know your roommate(s).

If you’re moving into a chapter facility with sisters you may not have met before, it’s both important and fun to connect with your roommates before living together. Reach out to introduce yourself, discuss decor ideas and get to know one another—this makes the movein process smoother and more exciting! Once you’ve moved in—or if you're living with sisters you already know—continue nurturing those friendships as you live together. It can be easy to isolate yourself in your room, but deepening and leaning on those relationships can transform your college experience for the better. Mississippi Gamma ANNA CONINE suggests, “Watch movies in the common spaces, go for late night car rides together or study in the dining room!”

2 When in doubt, talk it out.

"Open and honest communication is essential when sharing a living space,” says Nevada Alpha MEGAN VASKOV. Establishing healthy communication from the start can positively impact the trajectory of your relationship as roommates. If you encounter a misunderstanding or incompatibility—such as playing music too loudly or having guests over unannounced— the solution can be as simple as communicating your feelings in a kind and respectful way. It’s equally important to give each other grace; sometimes, a roommate may not know how their actions are affecting you until you bring it up. Actively listening to one another as you learn how to coexist creates a sense of trust and security.

3. Be respectful of boundaries.

Respecting one another’s space and boundaries is essential to healthy roommate relationships. Talk about expectations early, and be mindful of the space you share. North Carolina Alpha KAYLEY GUZMAN MORALES suggests that simple actions like cleaning up after yourself and showing kindness in everyday moments can go a long way, “Be clean and be kind to your sisters! Even the smallest thing can mean the world to them.” At the same time, don’t ignore your own boundaries—if something isn’t working for you, it’s okay to speak up.

4. Balance is everything.

Sharing a living space is all about balance. Chances are, you won’t agree on everything, so you’ll have to learn how to compromise on living habits, decor, routines and more. Curating a space to fit everyone’s needs can bring its challenges, but it can also be a fun bonding activity to bring your personal styles together! It’s just as essential to find balance in how you spend your time. Carve out time for shared moments with your sisters, such as enjoying a meal or studying together, while also honoring your alone time when you need it. "It’s all about compromise, communication and finding little moments of peace in a shared space,” says Washington Beta PRISCILLA ARICO

5. Embrace the experience.

Living with your sisters is a chance to learn more about yourself, step outside your comfort zone and grow closer to people you may never have crossed paths with otherwise. There may be moments of conflict, but don’t lose sight of how special it is to be surrounded by a community of support, laughter and love. Make the most of every moment and cherish the home you’ll build with your sisters.

Whether a traditional chapter house, a university residence hall or a common meeting space, Pi Phi facilities are places to call home—and we want to highlight your experiences.

Share your favorite housing moments—from the laughs to the sisterhood events and game days—with us on social media for a chance to be featured in the new Reel Pi Phi Stories campaign.