The Roommate Guide

Y&F's Back to School Week aims to give helpful tips for all students in the Y&F age range. Today's write-up is centered more on post-secondary students, but if you're in grade 12 and planning a move for college, this information can also be useful.

Almost everyone winds up living with a roommate or two sometime in their life. And why not? It's a great way to save money on rent, you feel safer knowing there's someone else around, and you get another outlet to meet new people.

Unfortunately, almost everyone also has a story of a roommate gone wrong – they never got along, they never washed the dishes, they never paid the rent...

In some situations, you're assigned to a roommate (like first year at school) – and unless you engage in nuclear warfare with them, you probably won't be able to change rooms. But for the situations in which you're able to choose your roommate (after first year at college, or if you start renting a place), keep these guidelines in mind.

Some of these questions seem insignificant at first, but can really make a difference if you're living with someone 24/7.

Let's say you've put the word out that you're looking for a roommate. Several friends and acquaintances have responded, and you believe a few of them have real potential. They all have great personalities, but now you need to narrow down the field. Consider these (not so obvious) qualities before making the final decision:

• Do they have a sleep schedule similar to yours? If your roommate is a night owl and you have lots of morning classes, you might want to reconsider. Similarly, if you like burning the midnight oil and your roommate is in bed by 9'oclock sharp every night, simple things like desk lamps, scraping chairs and doors slamming could turn into some pretty big issues. Looking for a roommate with a similar snoozing schedule will ensure that you're both getting enough (uninterrupted!) Z's.

• What kind of music do they like? Undoubtedly, you're going to be hearing it often. So if you have a serious problem with any particular musical genre – be it death metal or indie folk – it might be worth it to run a background check on your potential roommate's iTunes library!

• What are their financial habits like? This might seem like a very impersonal aspect to assess, but it is extremely important. Your roommate could have the best personality ever, but if he or she isn't paying the bills, you'll both be in a heap of trouble. Does your potential roommate have a job? Do they make payments on time? Should they slip up, do they have a Plan B (savings or help from their parents), or are you the one that will have to cover for them? Finances can be a sensitive issue, but it's also an issue that can devastate your experience of living together.

• Will they do chores? Ah, nothing like someone not pulling their weight to cause a classic roommate spat.  A lot needs to be done in order to keep a dorm room or apartment in order. Dishes, laundry, taking out the trash, cleaning the bathroom... Make sure your roommate can handle a housekeeping routine, otherwise you'll end up doing all the work yourself (or... no one will end up doing any work, and your place will get really, really disgusting).

• Do they have lots of company? Some roommates come complete with drop-in guests at all hours of the day – girlfriends, boyfriends, classmates, friends. Find out if your potential roommate does most of their socializing inside or outside their living space. If you don't like the idea of your place serving as a social hub, be sure to talk it over with your potential roommate before making any commitment. Similarly, if your friends are always coming by, let your roommate know about it. If your expectations regarding visitors are completely different, it can be a major source of conflict.

• Are you compatible with them? Friends do not make the best roommates. The challenges of living together can put a strain on close friendships. When looking for a good roommate, compatibility is more important than likability; you want someone who will treat you with respect, and pull their own weight. You should get along with each other, but also give each other enough personal space (this boundary is often crossed if you room with a best friend). Friends can be crazy and fun because you see them on a limited basis, but your roommate needs to have a more stable presence because you'll be dealing with your roommate every day.

By going over these questions, you'll be one step closer to finding a good roommate. It's often a good idea to go for a coffee and have a chat with a potential roommate before making any final arrangements. You shouldn't treat it as a police interrogation – in fact, you can really read into even the simplest of questions. Just remember to be a good listener.

Do you have any roommate stories to share (good or bad)? If so, share them in a comment below.

Larissa

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