What To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Roommate
Sharing an apartment with a roommate certainly has its perks.
You’ve got someone to help with bills and household chores, and maybe even someone to hang out with in your free time. Unfortunately, not all roommates end up getting along as well as Rachel and Monica or Chandler and Joey.
Honestly, it’s unrealistic to expect a completely conflict-free living situation, but it’s not impossible to find someone whose personality and lifestyle complements yours.
Here are five things to keep in mind when choosing a roommate:
Schoolwork
Their major isn’t necessarily important, but the time and place they devote to homework and studying is.
- Do they require a quiet environment to stay focused?
- Do they usually go to a library or coffee shop to do work or do they prefer working at home?
- How many hours a week do they devote to schoolwork?
Social Life
Needless to say, homebodies and social butterflies are going to spend their free time differently, but activities and relationships are also factors.
- How often do they hang out with friends and where?
- Do they have a significant other?
- Are they involved in any extracurriculars?
- Are they part of a Greek organization?
The Reserve on West 31st in Lawrence, Kansas and North Campus Crossing in Greenville, North Carolina offer roommate match services, and questions about Greek life are on the apartment communities’ matching questionnaires.
It’s easy to see why: sororities and fraternities come with their own set of friends and activities that impact a member’s social life.
Sleeping and Cleaning Habits
People tend to behave the same way over and over again, and the sooner you know what to expect the better— or realize that you’re better off not being roomies.
- Are they a morning person or a night owl?
- Are they a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper?
- Do they prefer their apartment neat and tidy or are they okay with a little clutter?
- How often do they clean?
Pets
Most pet owners consider themselves and their animals a package deal, and that could be a problem, especially for someone with an allergy.
- Do you have any pets?
- Are you willing to live with a pet?
Of course, asking all the right questions will get you nowhere if someone is dishonest. Encourage truthful answers!
