Now that we are renting properties for the 2015-2016 school year, it’s time to find your roommate if you have not already done so. While this process can be fun and exciting, it’s important to do your homework and find the right person. Trust us, you don’t want to be stuck in a lease with someone who you have nothing in common with.
Whether you plan to live with a friend or a friend of a friend or a stranger- you must find out important details about their personality, habits and lifestyle preferences before making a decision.
Tip #1-Set up an interview.
Even if you are moving in with someone you know, set aside time to have an honest discussion to find out of this is a good fit. Be honest about your expectations and make sure they match those of your potential roommate. Don’t tiptoe around the subject in order to seem polite, be upfront.
Tip #2- Ask questions before signing the lease.
Talk about your likes/dislikes, cleaning habits, friends, significant others, sleeping habits, etc. Establishing an open line of communication from the beginning will save you from potential misery down the line. Here are some basic ones you’ll want to cover-
1. Are they an early riser or a night owl? Light sleeper or good sleeper?
2. What is their typical work or school schedule? Will it conflict with yours?
3. What do they need to feel safe and secure (locking windows, etc)?
4. Are they neat or “relaxed?? Get clarification as this means different things to different people (and no one admits to being a slob).
5. What are their favorite/least favorite chores? How to do they like to divide up household work (chore list, just do it when they feel like it, etc.).
6. Are they extra-sensitive to fragrances and/or odors? This may affect what you choose as cleaning products and you may have to hide your running shoes after going to the gym.
7. Are they allergic to anything? (Examples: peanuts, perfume, milk, flowers, mold, smoke).
8. Do they smoke, drink, or do any other kinds of recreational drugs?
9. Do they enjoy talking or do they prefer to be quiet all the time? Do they talk about feelings or keep to themselves?
10. Do they enjoy decorating, or do they not care about decorating? What decorating style do they have?
11. What kind of music do they listen to and, more importantly, do they particularly enjoy listening to it when it’s loud?
12. How much TV do they watch? What do they watch? Are they fans of a sport team that you do not support or a sport you do not like
13. Do they like to share some items like pots and dishes or do they prefer to have separate everything?
14. How often do they invite friends and romantic interests over? Are you comfortable with the crowd they hang out with?
Source How to Find a Good Roommate on WikiHow
Tip #3-Listen to your gut instinct.
Your instincts are usually right on. If you get a weird feeling about a potential roommate, tell them politely that you don’t think it would be a good match and move on.
The University of Oregon Office of Dean of Students has additional resources for Off Campus living in addition to a list of places to search or advertise to find a new roomate. You can always contact our office at (541) 485-7776 for more questions, we are always willing to help in any way we can.
photo credit: Fun Ladies via photopin (license)
