Tips For Finding A Roommate
Are you currently thinking about living an independent life? Not sure about living alone and want to find a roommate? There are some benefits that you will gain once you find the right person to live with. You may even find your new best friend or someone you can call. There are just so many benefits of getting a roommate. But sometimes finding the right person can be a tough decision. Either you win or you learn. So to help you, here are 6 tips for finding the right roommate.
What do you want?
Finding the right person to be your roommate may be as complicated as choosing your future spouse. If you’re lucky enough, you might discover a best friend. On the other hand, there’s also a possibility that you just can’t get along well with them. One of the main tips for finding a roommate is to first ask yourself what you’re looking for in a roommate before actually finding one. What things can you tolerate and what are your biggest no-no’s. Be brutally honest with yourself and write it down on a paper to help you get a clearer picture of your ideal roommate. Whatever it is, choose the one that suits you the best to prevent future conflicts.
Ask for help
Moving to a new place and away from your family is tough. It gets even harder when you need to choose a roommate but don’t have anyone in mind yet. A great way to lessen your stress is to ask your agent, or even friends, to refer you to someone they know who is also looking for a roommate. In some cases, your landlord could even offer an already available place with a roommate. By asking for a recommendation from someone you know, you will also understand more about what your future roommate is like because usually people only recommend a friend or someone that they know, meaning that the person is credible. Also by asking a friend, they will give you tips on how you can both get along together. The more advice you get the better, but please remember that the one who knows you the most is you. So even after being given a recommendation, you’re still unsure, don’t worry. Just keep looking.
Reach out through social media
In today’s day and age, social media is more than just a form of digital entertainment. Post ads on your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for a roommate. In your post, include the criteria you want from a roommate and also some things about you that they need to know. Ask your friends and family to help you spread this ad. Once you have your applicants, interview each of them until you finally find the one.
Be realistic and upfront
A friendly reminder for you: nobody is 100% perfect. Having too many criteria and being super picky will leave you with zero options. It’s okay If you never find someone who completely matches with your needs. You yourself may not be a perfect roommate as well. So be open to discuss and compromise with your candidates. In the interview or meetup, also be upfront about your values and ask them to be upfront about theirs. At the end of the day, it’s not just you who will be getting a roommate.
Roommate Agreement
Before moving in, make some rules and put down all your compromises on paper for both of you to sign. A lot of people say that this is the first and most important step to ensure that you and your roommate will last more than a month. There are many templates and examples on google for a roommate agreement or you can click here to find our template. When you meet your soon to be roommate, don’t forget to discuss it with them to find out whether you both are on the same boat. As time goes by, some rules may not be really important anymore but it will help to guide you in the first place and understand each other’s boundaries.
Put on your thinking cap, follow your heart, and don’t forget to keep these tips for finding a roommate in mind!
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