Tips on Finding the Perfect Roommate for Your College Apartment

The perfect roommate can make living in an apartment a pleasurable and cost-effective experience; however, not-so-perfect roommates can be a horrifying experience. Due to the lifestyle demands of being in college, students on the search for a roommate should have a list of requirements and expectations when it comes to finding a roomie. After compiling this list, a student can then begin scouring online and offline sources for their ideal roommate.

 

College Roommate Qualities

Prior to actually searching for a roommate, it is wise to compile a list of desirable qualities a roommate should contain. Because college students require hours of study and homework, a roommate should have a similar schedule. Begin by writing out a daily schedule; make sure to include hours spent at class, work and home. Next, write out a list of desirable qualities within a roommate. Should he be a non-smoker? Enjoy spending time together? Making a list of ideal personality and habitual traits will help narrow down potential roommates.

Begin the Search

The first step in searching for a college roommate is to turn to friends, relatives and classmates. Typically, an acquaintance will know someone who is searching for an apartment. This may be the ideal choice for students who have never had a roommate before as the potential roommates’ friends can provide personal references regarding his personality and living habits. If this search method does not yield any potential roommates, it’s time to take the search virtual.

There are many websites dedicated to locating potential roommates. Website such as RommateClick.com, Perfect-Roommate.com, EasyRoommate.com and Roommates.com offer a searchable database of eligible roommates. One of the primary benefits of using this method is each potential roommate creates a personality profile and searchers may only view roommates that match desired criteria.

Interviewing a Potential Roommate

After potential roommates have been found, it is time to interview these individuals. Never allow a person to simply move-in without first holding an informal interview. This step ensures the potential roomie has the ideal qualities and work/school schedule.

It is best to interview a candidate in neutral territory such as a coffee house, bar or at a park. Do not bring a potential roommate into the apartment until after the first initial meeting. During the interview ask questions such as:

• How often do you have overnight guests?
• Are you employed? Can you cover rent and other bills on time?
• How do you feel about cleaning? Is a rotating cleaning schedule acceptable?
• What do you like to do in your free time?
• What’s your school schedule like?
• What time do you typically go to bed?
• How social are you? Would you mind hanging out together or do you wish to keep our lives separate?

By asking these, and other, questions it is easy to gain an understanding of the potential roommates’ personal, social, work and school habits. Of course, it is always wise to follow a gut instinct regarding roommates. With careful planning and interviewing it is possible to find the ideal roommate throughout your college years.


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