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Things to Consider When Finding a Roommate

Apartment Living

steve berto bertolacci

FR_06_IG_02_Finding-a-Compatible-Roommate_3D_v8.14.12Things to Consider When Finding a Roommate
Finding the perfect roommate can seem like an impossible mission. The key is communication to determine if your next roommate is right for you.
Follow the chart below to help you decide.
1) Were you already acquainted with this person?

  •  Yes, we’ve met.
    • Go to #2
  • No, he/she is a total stranger.
    • Go to #2
  • Yes, we’re BFF. [1]
    • DO NOT LIVE WITH THIS PERSON.
      • If you’re already good friends, the friendship can get rocky when you’re roommates.

2) Do you have similar sleep patterns? [2]

  • Yep!
    • Go to #3
  • No, one’s a night owl; the other’s an early riser. (keep asking q’s!)
  • Is the person willing to compromise and work around the other person’s schedule?
    • Yes
      • Go to #3
    • No.
      • DO NOT LIVE WITH THIS PERSON.
        • Your routines are very different – you can end up constantly bothering each other.

3) Are you both nonsmokers? [3]

  • Yep.
    • Go to #4
  • No, we both smoke. ~Next question please!
    • Can you agree on some smoking ground rules? [4]
      • Yes.
        • Go to #4
      • No.
        • DO NOT LIVE WITH THIS PERSON.
  • No, one of us smokes.
    • Go to the, “Can you agree on some smoking ground rules?” question.
      • No, DO NOT LIVE WITH THIS PERSON
        • Some of the other person’s lifestyle choices don’t match your own preferences
      • Yes, Go to #4

4) Do you both drink socially?

  • Yes, occasionally.
    • Go to #5
  • One drinks, the other doesn’t. Additional question time!
    • Do you both like to party?
      • Yes. Crank up the Spotify playlist.
        • Go to #5
      • Nope. We like quiet nights in.
        • Go to #5
      • One of us does, the other doesn’t. ~Whoa, could be trouble, be sure to ask:
        • Is it important for you to have similar social lifestyles with your roommate?
          • Yes, I’m looking for a BFF / bromance.
            • DO NOT LIVE WITH THIS PERSON.
              • Contrasting personalities could become exhausting if you’re looking to bond or spend time with your roommate.
          • It doesn’t matter.
            • Yay! Go to #5 (finally)

5) Did you get a good first impression?[6] 

  • Yeah, the person seemed nice / responsible.
    • Go to #6
  • Well, the person was late / disrespectful / a Nickelback fan.
    • DO NOT LIVE WITH THIS PERSON.
      • They may not respect deadlines, which could lead to late bill paying.

6) Will the person give you previous roommate references? [7] 

  • Yeah, calling now!
    • ROOMMATE MATERIAL.
  • Weirdly, no.
    • DO NOT LIVE WITH THIS PERSON.
      • This could be a red flag that the person hasn’t been a great roommate in the past.

Conclusion:
Make sure to consider all of your roommate requirements and preferences before starting your search. Then, ask any questions you feel are necessary to determine whether or not this person would make a good roommate.
After all, you’ll have to live with him or her, so do what you can to ensure it will be an enjoyable experience for the both of you.
Sources:
[1] http://www.askmen.com/money/how_to_300/376_how_to.html
[2] www.sa.sdsu.edu/housing/Roommate_Survey.doc
[3] http://home.howstuffworks.com/real-estate/find-compatible-roommate.htm
[4] http://lifehacker.com/5611551/how-to-be-a-good-roommate-and-deal-with-those-who-arent
[5] http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=19550432
[6] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/11/AR2005081101691.html
[7] http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=19550432
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Posted: August 23, 2012

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