Whether you are starting over fresh, downsizing, or looking for a roommate for college, it’s not as easy as it sounds to find a roommate you can really live with. Finding a roommate who has the same interests as you can be difficult, especially if you are new to the area and don’t know a lot of people. It’s important to start making connections. Look for organizations you can join. You don’t want to let just anyone move in, but then again, getting to meet new people can be fun.
Ask Your Friends and Family
If you have friends and family nearby, ask if they know anyone who is searching for a roommate or to share an apartment. The best thing about finding a roommate through a friend or family member is that they know the person they recommend to you. They can fill you in on their employment status and what types of activities you enjoy. Your friends and family are more likely to only recommend people they trust. Very rarely will they tell you about someone if they have any fear whatsoever that they will take advantage of or harm you.
Finding your next Possible bestie
Check with Members of the Organizations You Belong To
You can also find a potential roommate by asking around any organizations you may belong to. You can also ask fellow church members. Put a note on the church bulletin board or in the church bulletin that is handed out after the church service. Spread the word and ask fellow members to ask around. If you belong to an organization, go to meetings and introduce yourself to other members.
Talk to Your Admissions Advisor
If you are attending college, you may want to let your admissions advisor know that you are looking for a roommate. They meet with hundreds of students every year and are often in the loop when students are trying to get settled into college. Finding a roommate isn’t easy when you don’t know anyone or are on an unfamiliar campus. Getting an apartment off-campus is preferable but is often more expensive. Having a roommate to share expenses is the best way to handle the situation.
Put an Ad in the Local Paper
One way to find a roommate is using a good old-fashioned newspaper. Place an ad in the classified section. The good thing about this is that there is normally a printed version and an online version. The classifieds are still a great way to connect with others even though an actual printed newspaper isn’t used.
Explore Social Media
Probably one of the best ways in this technologically advanced world to find anything is on social media. Create a post on Facebook, Twitter, or any of the other social media platforms and ask your friends and family to share it. You will be surprised how quickly the news will spread. Before long, you may have more people interested than you thought.
There are several options if you are wondering where to find a roommate. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to pick the first person you talk to. Instead, interview several and take a lot of notes. Give yourself 24 hours before you make your decision. Make a short list and go a little more in depth when considering each one. Choose the one who has the best references and seems to be the most organized and on top of things. Who knows? You may end up finding a roommate you really enjoy spending time with.