Finding a good roommate can be a challenge. If you take your chances living with a random roommate you might get lucky, but they could also make your life miserable. So actively choosing your roommate can be a safer way to go. When you have a good roommate that shares similar values who you can trust and have a good time with, life is smoother and more fun.
Here are some tips on finding your perfect roommate match.
Ask Direct Questions
Whether you're meeting a potential roommate for the first time or trying to figure out if your friend would make a good roommate, it's important to be direct. Beginning with an honest and open dialogue will allow you to be proactive about potential issues and prevent either side from being blindsided later. I encourage you to have these conversations in person, so you can get a better feel for their personality rather than hiding behind a computer screen. Some examples include:
- What are your priorities? What's important to you?
- What do you like to do with your free time?
- What are you looking to get out of college?
These kinds of questions will allow you to get a feel of what they care about, how they spend their time, and their goals.
Cleanliness
A mismatch in cleanliness standards is one of the most common sources of roommate conflicts. If one or more housemates don't have the same values around being neat as you do (or vice versa), resentment will often surface as passive-aggression.
Being upfront about how you want to treat the apartment can help avoid this issue. When everyone involved has agreed upon rules, you have something to refer back to and to hold each other accountable.
Social Life
Are you looking for a roommate to help cover the cost of rent or be your friend? Either way, their social life will likely affect yours. Your roommate may invite friends over when you want to have a quiet night at home, or they may be sequestered in their room when you feel like venting.
Personally, having a roommate I share interests and have fun with makes my living situation so much better. When you feel comfortable partying with your roommate and having personal conversations, you can live with your best friend.
Study Buddy
Having a roommate you can study with allows you to hold each other accountable and can make studying more enjoyable. If you take classes together that's even better, because you have a study buddy without having to leave your apartment.
Your roommates have a significant influence on your college experience for better or worse. Being direct and proactive to address issues early will make everyone's lives easier. If you choose wisely, you may even meet a new best friend.
