SAFETY & TIPS

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY

Room8 is committed to creating a safe environment for students to find compatible roommates. Please read these important safety guidelines to protect yourself and others in our community.

BEFORE YOU START

Profile Safety

• Use recent, authentic photos that clearly show your face
• Be honest about yourself - authenticity leads to better matches
• Don't include personal contact information in your profile initially
• Avoid photos with identifying information (license plates, addresses, etc.)
• Report fake profiles if you encounter them

Privacy Protection

• Keep personal details private until you feel comfortable sharing
• Don't share your full name, phone number, or address in early conversations
• Use the in-app messaging system initially rather than external platforms
• Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is

SAFE MESSAGING PRACTICES

Communication Guidelines

• Keep initial conversations within the app for your protection
• Be respectful and appropriate in all communications
• Don't share financial information or ask others for money
• Avoid sharing intimate photos or personal content
• Report inappropriate messages immediately

Red Flags to Watch For

MEETING POTENTIAL ROOMMATES

First Meeting Safety

• Meet in public places (campus cafe, library, student center)
• Bring a friend or let someone know where you're going
• Choose daytime meetings when possible
• Meet on campus or in well-populated areas
• Trust your gut feeling during the meeting
• Have your own transportation to and from the meeting

Video Chat First

• Schedule a video call before meeting in person
• Verify they match their profile photos
• Discuss roommate expectations and living arrangements
• Ask about their schedule, habits, and preferences
• Confirm university attendance through casual conversation

ROOMMATE ARRANGEMENT SAFETY

Before Committing

• Visit the living space together during daylight hours
• Meet other current roommates if applicable
• Verify lease terms and financial responsibilities
• Discuss house rules and boundaries clearly
• Get references from previous roommates if possible
• Trust your comfort level - don't rush decisions

Living Agreement

Create a written roommate agreement covering:

• Rent and utility payment schedules
• Cleaning responsibilities
• Guest policies
• Quiet hours and study time
• Personal space boundaries
• Emergency contact information

REPORTING AND BLOCKING

When to Report or Block

Report users who:

• Send inappropriate or harassing messages
• Ask for money or financial information
• Share inappropriate images or content
• Make threats or violent statements
• Appear to be using fake profiles
• Violate community guidelines

Block users if:

• You feel uncomfortable or unsafe
• They continue unwanted contact
• They ignore your boundaries
• You simply don't want to interact anymore

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

If You Feel Threatened

• Remove yourself from the situation immediately
• Contact local authorities (911 in emergencies)
• Notify campus security if on university grounds
• Report the incident to Room8 immediately
• Reach out to trusted friends or family members

GET HELP

Safety concerns: hey.room8@gmail.com