How to Find a Roommate

Your roommate can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Don’t leave it up to luck. Here are some things to consider on your quest to find a roommate.

Choosing a roommate isn’t like choosing a friend. Of course, it helps to get on with your roommate, but it’s much more than that. Student housing is often small and claustrophobic. If you and your roommate aren’t compatible, it can feel like living in a prison.

Are you a night owl or a morning person? Find a roommate with the same sleeping schedule. The last thing you need is to hear loud music from the next bedroom while you’re trying to sleep.

Are you a party gal? How would you feel about people going in and out of your apartment at all hours? Some people love that kind of atmosphere, while others can’t stand it. Neither one is good or bad, as long as you and your roommate are on the same page.

Are you a neat freak? People who are tidy and organized are often frustrated by their messy friends. You don’t want to be the only one who cleans. Nor do you want to be nagged by an anal retentive roommate. Before you decide to live together, make sure you have roughly the same cleanliness standards.

As boring as it may sound, it’s important to make a list of rules for you and your roommate. Write out a cleaning schedule. Decide what you’re going to do about meals. Are you going to share your groceries? What about visitors?

It’s not easy to find an ideal roommate. The best place to start is to ask your friends if they know anyone you might like who’s looking for a place to live. Your college can also help you find a roommate. Most colleges have websites that match up potential roommates. Alternatively, check the message boards around campus. If you still haven’t found the perfect roommate, try websites like Craigslist and Roommates.com.

The right person is out there. Don’t settle for a roommate who is going to spend the next years driving you insane.