Questions to Ask your Potential Off-Campus Housing Roommate

You have decided that you wish to live with a roommate in your off-campus housing unit. The problem is, you do not know of any close friend who wishes to live in the same area. This leaves you with the option of choosing a roommate from the sea of strangers who are looking for similar accommodation. How do you decide that a certain roommate is suitable and another is not? Here are some questions you should ask your potential roommate to determine whether they’re a good fit. 

Are you able to pay for the lease upfront?

This is a crucial question, because you do not want someone who is looking to sponge off your lease. You are taking in a roommate, not a dependent. As such, you must clearly establish whether the said roommate is able to meet their financial obligations as far as the lease is concerned. Do not get into agreements that will leave you in debt afterwards.

What’s your ideal way of unwinding?

Depending on whether your potential roommate says, relaxing with a friend over a game of chess or throwing a huge party, you’ll know what kind of troubles await you in the near future. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with someone who likes to party. However, you must consider whether you will be okay with having parties and multiple friends crashing at your apartment, courtesy of your roommate.

Have you had roommates in the past? What was your experience living with someone?

Most people who are eager to get roommate status will lie about this. But if you are asking these questions in person, you will be able to tell when the truth is being stretched. It is necessary to find out whether a potential roommate can actually share a space with another person. If it seems like they cannot, proceed carefully.  

Do you consider yourself a clean person?

Again, the answer to this question will be a resounding yes for almost everybody. Again, you might want to look out for indicators such as how well cleaned up they are.

What’s your idea of privacy?

Just because someone is living with you does not mean they are entitled to front row seats to all aspects of your life. It is necessary to find someone who understands this; otherwise there will be major clashes along the way.

Are you okay with sharing duties?

Sharing a house means sharing in the cleaning and maintenance work, among other duties. After enlightening your roommate to be on what their duties will be, ask them whether they are okay with that. Do not coerce them to accept their duties, however badly you need a roommate. Find someone who can do what is expected of them willingly. This is the only way you will ensure peaceful coexistence.

College roommates go on to become some of the best friends you will ever make. But this only happens if you select your roommate carefully. So take time to ask the right questions. And if you feel like asking the questions as phrased sounds interrogative, spin them and fix them into casual conversation. The bottom line is that you need answers.

Posted By: Toby Arnheim  http://athenscommons.com/