Photo: Andy Barbour
Your future roommate will be your confidante, study partner, and friend during your college years. You will not only share a room, but also spend a lot of time together: You will live together, hang out together, gossip, and probably even build a friendship that will potentially last a lifetime.
Nevertheless, how to find someone who is a perfect fit? In this blog post, I will share with you some of the main secrets to finding the perfect college roommate. Get ready to learn how to play roommate roulette and find the perfect match for you!
Tips for Finding a Roommate Online
Finding a roommate online is a great way to expand your search beyond your immediate social circle. Many websites and apps can help you find a compatible roommate based on your preferences and needs.
One of the most popular websites is Roomsurf, where you can create a profile and take a compatibility quiz to find people who share similar interests, habits, and lifestyles. You can also filter your search based on factors like gender, major, and housing preferences.
Another option is Roommates, which allows you to search for people based on their age, gender, lifestyle, and location. You can also create a profile and post a listing for yourself to attract potential roommates.
However, if a person mentions something about themselves, that doesn’t mean that the whole narrative is true. If you don’t want any surprises, run a background check on the candidate on Nuwber to learn about potential threats.
Questions to Ask Potential Roommates
When you're about to move in with someone you've never lived with before, it's important to ask some key questions to ensure that you can coexist peacefully and happily. Here are these questions:
1. “What's your daily routine like?”
This question will help you understand if your daily routines are compatible or if there will be any issues.
2. “How do you feel about guests?”
Understanding your potential roommate's stance on visitors is crucial to knowing if they will be comfortable with people coming over.
3. “What are your cleaning habits?”, “Do you prefer to clean yourself or hire a cleaning service?”
This will help you to avoid conflicts regarding cleanliness.
4. “Are you comfortable sharing items?”
Some people are open to sharing things like groceries, electronics, and household items, while others prefer to keep their possessions separate.
5. “Do you have any deal-breakers when it comes to living with someone?”
Knowing if they have any specific deal breakers or red flags will help you ensure that you're not going to be in uncomfortable situations in the future. This will also allow you to decide if they are the right fit for you.
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio
What You Both Can Do to Make the Living Process Easier
Nobody is perfect. The above-mentioned tips will hardly help you find the person that will fit your needs perfectly. You need to adjust to them while they do the same to make a living with each other worthwhile. Let's take a look at how that can be done.
- Compromise
Living with a person you don’t know is challenging, especially if you’re a freshman who misses home. The key to creating a positive living environment is to compromise. It's essential to sit down with the person and set boundaries and expectations from the beginning. This includes sharing cleaning responsibilities, having guests over, and avoiding noise levels during different times of the day.
If your roommate has a different schedule, try to adapt to their routine and vice versa. If you have different tastes in music and TV shows, find common ground and take turns choosing what to watch or listen to.
Another way is to be respectful of each other's personal space and belongings. Only borrow your roommate's clothes or items if you ask and make sure to clean up after yourself in common areas.
Communication is key. If an issue arises, address it calmly and respectfully. Avoid passive-aggressive behavior or holding grudges. The sooner you resolve conflicts, the better the living situation will be for both of you. Remember, however, that compromising doesn't mean sacrificing your needs or values. It's about finding a balance that works for both of you.
- Set Boundaries
Living with another person is never easy, and it can be particularly challenging when that person is a stranger. That's why it's necessary to set clear boundaries and expectations from the very beginning.
One way to do this is by creating an agreement. This can be a simple document that outlines how often you'll clean the common areas when it's okay to have guests over, and how you'll split utility bills. By putting these expectations in writing, you can avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts down the line.
Сommunicate openly about any issues or concerns that arise. If you're bothered by something the roommate is doing, don't let it fester – bring it up in a respectful and non-confrontational way. Likewise, if they express concerns to you, be willing to listen and find a solution that works for both of you.
- Learn How to deal with Conflicts
Once you've found the perfect college roommate, it's essential to know how to deal with conflicts and communicate effectively. No matter how well you get along, disagreements are bound to happen at some point. When they do, it's important to address them calmly and maturely.
One of the keys to effective communication is active listening. This means taking the time to listen to what your roommate is saying rather than waiting for your turn to talk. It's also important to be clear and direct when expressing your own needs and concerns.
When conflicts do occur, try to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to solve them without harm. Remember that you're both in this together and that finding a solution that works for both of you is the ultimate goal.
Finally, don't be afraid to seek outside help if you need it. Many colleges have resources available for conflict resolution and mediation, so don't hesitate to reach out if you're struggling to resolve a conflict on your own.
Final Thoughts...
Living with someone new is always a challenge, but with the above secrets, you'll be able to find someone who is an excellent match for you. Remember that communication is key: Don't be afraid to ask questions and get to know the person you will be living with before committing. You want to enjoy your college experience, not ruin it.
Lots of love,
Liz
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