I am an environmentalist and have very liberal political views. However, I do not allow myself to be pretentious towards others and always take others opinions/beliefs into account. I live with three other girls and our utilities are included in out rent. We live on an on-campus apartment. Our housing bill is included with our tuition. They turn the thermostat up to the maximum. Usually on 85 degrees. I think this is terrible. Forget the fact that this is a total waste of resources, but a huge money factor. Residence life has threatened to increase our tuition if this carelessness continues. I have asked them in a polite, non-condescending way to keep it at a reasonable level. They laugh and call me a dumb hippie. I don't think this is right. Now they turn it to the complete maximum when I am at class. I think this is blatantly disrespectful and spiteful towards me. I try my best to be their friend and be cool with them. I think this is mean spirited. What should I do?
2007-01-24 16:43:06 · 17 answers · asked by Lauren P 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Report them, in person, to residence life. Ask for advice there, and demand new roommates. Eighty-five degrees in group living arrangements is a recipe for fatal diseases including menigitis.
2007-01-24 16:50:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have a talk, with or without residence life present, and tell them you are not paying for an increase in tuition. And see how it goes from there. If they allow things to progress to the raise, then get new roomies. Dumb hippie, indeed! No one is comfortable at 85 degrees. You are right, they are just being mean.
And tell residence life now, that you are not responsible for the elevation in temp, and if there is a raise in tuition, you might be asking for a move.
2007-01-25 03:48:59 · answer #2 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sheez, I thought I liked my room warm at 70-75, most people I know turn it several degrees lower. 85 is ridiculous! Did they start this before you brought it up -do they genuinely like that temperature-, or did it start after a discussion or argument about resources? I think it would be a good idea to see about finding different housing. And if your bill goes up they should definitely be the ones to pay! Explain to Residence that you're trying your best to keep a more normal room temperature and to put the full amount on their bills.
2007-01-25 09:36:25 · answer #3 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that if it were me, I would demand to get alternate housing, if possible, (I don't know how it works, though.) And I would make sure that the people that run the place are very clear as to why I want to change living arrangements. Isn't there anyone who will be of help to you if you explained the situation to them and possibly will keep it discreet because I can see where there would possibly be retaliation in a case like this. Well, its such a difficult situation, and I understand that its a lot easier for me to offer this advise than it is for you to take it. But, it shouldn't hurt for you to do some research into the resources you have available that may help you in this particular situation. I wish you well and I will pray for you.
2007-01-25 00:53:10 · answer #4 · answered by zaytox0724 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try to appeal to their vanity since their consciences aren't bothering them. Point out facts such as high temperatures leading to mold and mildew growth - both health issues. Also - the hotter the air - the drier your skin and hair becomes. Dry air also makes for runny noses and more colds and flu - neither of which are "sexy". maybe that is what it will take. If that doesn't work - wait until they go to sleep at night and crank it down to 55 or so. They probably won't notice until early morning and it will balance out the costs. Next semester - go for more mature roommates!
2007-01-25 00:59:46 · answer #5 · answered by arkiemom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get an estimate from residence services of what the difference in cost would be by setting the thermostat lower. Then show it to them, and say that you will pay your share of the lower amount. Tell them that you have discussed it with res services and see if that makes a difference,
2007-01-25 01:10:04 · answer #6 · answered by Labsci 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, not only is that a waste of electricity it is a waste of money too. You could show them the costs that the new bills will rise up or refuse to pay when the rent comes. If they want to turn it up that high, then they can pay a higher portion of the bills.
...If not, you can always toss their shoes on a phone line.
2007-01-25 00:49:28 · answer #7 · answered by Gabrielle_Wills 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
i don't think that you're being unreasonable at all.
who wants to live in a room that's 85 deg.? would it be possible for you to move? these girls don't sound like the kind of people you want to live with anyway.
if they don't care about the environment (which is pretty obvious) they should at least care about the financial end of this.
good luck.
a fellow environmentalist.
2007-01-25 00:57:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to find other room mates but I know that that is not easy. YOu are not being unreasonable. They are immature little idiots. I feel for you. Is there a senior resident who looks over the whole unit? Talk to them about it.
2007-01-25 01:13:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would refuse to pay the extra that it costs to have it so high. try to find a bill to see how much it was costing before they started doing this, and then tell them you will only pay your share of that bill.
if this doesnt work, can you try talking to the residence people to have either you or them moved, or have them talk to your roommates about the problem?
your roomies sound like idiots.
2007-01-25 00:55:35 · answer #10 · answered by Minerva 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋