Finding the perfect roommate is an art. There is so much that goes into picking a person you want to share a home with. Are you compatible? Do you enjoy the same things? This is a person you are mostly likely going to be spending a great deal of time with. You are going to be coexisting in the same space, cooking in the same kitchen, watching T.V. in the same living room maybe even sharing a bathroom! So don’t make this decision hastily and take the time to consider following items.
1. Cleanliness
This is probably one of the most important factors in your decision making process. Be completely honest about this. If you are a neat freak that cant even stand one single bowl in the sink (welcome to the club) then your roommate better be Mr. Clean, seriously.
This is something that will never stop annoying you or getting under your skin. It is something you absolutely have to be on the same page about 100% of the time, or at least have a chore list! There’s a reason it’s the first question on roommate compatibility tests, its important.
2. Battle of the Social Butterflies and Bookworms
This is another big one! If you constantly enjoy being around your friends and love having them over then your roommate better enjoy their company too. It can go the other way too. If you prefer to have quiet evenings to yourself then you probably shouldn’t live with someone who stumbles home late every night. Of course you can find a happy medium, which usually results in a really fun roommate dynamic. Which brings up another point, you should enjoy doing things with your roommate. In an ideal situation, your roommate should be a friend, someone you like spending time with and have similar interests.
3. Communication
You absolutely have to live with someone you can TALK too; otherwise what’s the point? Now you don’t have to go off divulging your deepest and darkest secrets, but you should be able to have a mature conversation about when the bills are due. You should also be able to express if one of you does something the other one is not okay with, resolve it and not let the issue arise again. If you immediately feel like you are constantly going to disagree or bump heads over everything, then find someone who you are more harmonious with.
If you follow these starting guidelines you’ll be sure to find a roommate you are not only compatible with but also love living with!