10 Questions to Ask a Potential Roommate

Trying to find a compatible college roommate is almost like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Most meet part of the requirements, but not all. Others won’t meet any. Every once in a while, you will find a person that will be able to accommodate everything you ask but maybe one or two things. Those are the ones you may want to compromise with, especially if the item in question is something you may be able to deal with.

Conduct an In-depth Interview

The only way you will get to know the person you are considering to be a potential roommate is to conduct an in-depth interview. Take it seriously. This person will be sharing your living space and be in closes contact with you for the next school year. Don’t just take for granted that a person will be honest if you have them fill out an application. Ask pointed questions and take note of their answers.

Top 10 Questions to Ask Potential College Roommate

While there are hundreds of questions you can ask, narrow it down to ten. You will get a good idea of their personality and how well you may get along.

1. Do they have a pet?
2. How cool or warm do they like their living space?
3. Do they have any food allergies or restrictions?
4. How would they prefer to split the rent and utilities?
5. How do they make their living? Do they work from home?
6. Have they ever gotten behind on rent?
7. Are they currently in a relationship?
8. How do they resolve conflicts or arguments?
9. Do they expect to have overnight guests?
10. How do they feel about cooking and cleaning?

There are other questions you can ask, but these will give you a general idea of what kind of person they are.

Discuss Concessions

If you find someone you really think you can be compatible with, it would be a shame to let one or two small habits get in the way. If they have a couple of things that go against your personal preferences, talk it out and see if you can come to an agreement. You may be surprised by how easy it is to resolve any potential problems.

Are They Willing to Compromise?

Once you have discussed any possible conflicts and the concessions needed to resolve them, find out if they are willing to compromise. If it’s a good match, it may well be worth the effort you put into making it work. Talk things over and then think about it for a couple of days. Get together over coffee and see what you can work out.

Having a college roommate is actually a good idea. Not only will it save you money, it will give you someone to talk to on the days when everything seems to come at you all at once. Think about the questions you would ask a potential college roommate and then post a notice to see if anyone is interested.