After a year of living in the dorms with an assigned roommate, most college students wouldn’t think of choosing their own roommate as a problem. BUT before you and your best friend are at each other’s throats over whose hair is clogging the shower drain, check out these roommate tips.
DON’T LIVE WITH YOUR FRIENDS.
I know it may seem like an awesome idea to move in with your friends, but I’ve heard too many stories about friendships ruined over lost deposits, dirty habits and plastic bottles not in the recycling bin (I’m stressed just thinking about it). Your best friend might seem like the perfect candidate for a roomie, but some of the boundaries that help a friendship work can make a functional roommate relationship difficult. After all, you can’t be worried about offending a friend when you need to ask your roommate to wash her moldy dishes.
INTERVIEW ROOMMATE OPTIONS
Instead of going for someone you already know, try posting about your roommate search in places you might find like-minded people, like a Facebook group. You can also ask friends if they know of anyone in need of a roommate. Arrange to meet for coffee and find out if their preferences and needs are compatible with your own. This way, you have a friend who can vouch for your candidate AND there’s no hurt feelings if your styles don’t match up.
ASK GOOD QUESTIONS
When you meet a potential roommate, make sure you get all the information. Are they a night owl or a morning lark? Do they have good relationships with past roommates? Do they keep a spotless space or leave science experiments in the kitchen sink? It’s also important that you understand your own preferences. Think of some ground rules you are comfortable with and run them by your roommate candidates.
SEE WHERE THEY LIVE NOW
Seeing how someone keeps their room can give you some important clues to their personality. If at all possible, hang out with them in their own space. If you’re not comfortable with the way they live now, you probably won’t feel any better further down the road.
COMMUNICATE. COMMUNICATE. COMMUNICATE.
You’ve found a roommate, you’re all moved in, and things could not be going better. That’s the dream, of course, but eventually, you will have conflict with your roommate. If her clothes have been on the bathroom floor for a week or you feel like you’ve taken out the trash more than your fair share, tell your roommate right away. Don’t let reasonable expectations turn into resentment. A mature housemate will understand.