Moving in with a roommate is an important decision. After all, you will be sharing your living space with this person for an extended period. It is important that you find someone you get along with and who respects your boundaries. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask potential roommates a few questions before you decide.
38 Questions that you can use to get to know your potential roommate better:
- How do you feel about overnight guests?
- How do you feel about pets?
- Do you smoke?
- What are your normal sleeping habits? Do you tend to sleep lightly or heavily?
- What is your ideal temperature for the apartment?
- How often do you socialize in the common areas?
- How tidy are you?
- What are your thoughts on hosting parties at our place?
- How much noise do you usually make when you are at home?
- Will other people be living with us?
- Do you have any furniture that we need to be aware of?
- How long do you plan to live here?
- Do you have any unusual hobbies that might make noise or require extra space (e.g., woodworking, brewing beer)?
- Do you have regular visitors (e.g., family, friends, significant other) who might stay over often?
- What are your biggest pet peeves?
- Do you have any allergies or sensitivities?
- What is your daily routine like? (Do you work from home? Do classes start early or late?).
- Do you like to entertain guests in our living area?
- What is your budget for rent/utilities/food/etc.?
- How do you feel about sharing food?
- Have you ever lived with a roommate before? If so, how did it go?
- What do you like to do in your free time? (hobbies, interests, etc.)
- Are there certain cleaning chores you like or dislike doing?
- How long does it usually take you to shower?
- Do scented candles, diffusers, air fresheners, etc. bother you?
- Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?
- If you were having a bad day, how would you like to be comforted?
- What kind of things make you uncomfortable?
- Is there anything I should know about you so I can understand you better?
- Do you like listening to music/watching TV/having people over when you work on projects late at night or early in the morning?
- Do you have plants to take care of?
- Are there items you do not want to share with roommates (e.g., towels, dishes, furniture)?
- Is it okay to have photos of family/friends displayed throughout the house?
- How will bills and other shared expenses be handled?
- How are grocery shopping and cooking handled?
- Will I be allowed to borrow your things if I need them?
- Will you respect my privacy if I do not want company?
- How do you handle disagreements?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you discuss shared responsibilities with potential roommates before moving in together?
Discussing shared responsibilities before moving in together can help build a foundation of trust and understanding. By discussing who will be responsible for what, you and your potential roommates can avoid misunderstandings or conflicts. This can also be a good opportunity to discuss your budget and decide how expenses will be shared. By discussing these things in advance, you can avoid tensions or problems later.
What makes a good roommate?
A good roommate is someone who is considerate of their roommates and does not restrict their personal space. They are also considerate of their roommates’ noise levels and try to keep the noise down when they are in the apartment. A good roommate is also respectful of their roommates’ belongings and does not borrow or take anything without asking first. Good roommates communicate openly and effectively and work together to resolve any disputes that may arise.
How do you bond with your roommate?
It can be easy to bond with your roommate, depending on how you approach it. Some people like to chat and get to know each other, while others prefer to keep things casual and relaxed. Regardless of what you prefer, some things can make living together easier.
Spending time together in the common areas, hanging out outside of the dorm, and sharing common interests is a great way to connect with your roommate and form a friendship. If you take the time to get to know each other, you will find that living together is much easier and more fun.
How do you turn down a potential roommate?
When someone asks you to be their roommate, it can be a difficult decision. You may be unsure if you are compatible or if you even want to live with them. If you are not interested in being their roommate, there are a few things you can say.
First, you can explain that you are not looking for a new roommate at the moment. You can also mention that you do not think the two of you would be a good match. Thank them for thinking of you and wish them luck in finding someone else.
Conclusion
Taking the time to ask these questions can help you set expectations and ensure that you and your potential roommate is on the same page from the start. By giving honest answers, you can gauge whether a shared living space would be a good fit for both parties. And while there’s no guarantee that everything will always go smoothly, at least you’ll know what you’re getting into!
