Tips for choosing your first roommate

Two young people in their living room

Are you considering sharing an apartment to reduce costs and enjoy a friendly atmosphere?

Finding a good roommate can make sharing a home a pleasant experience, while the wrong choice could make living together difficult.

Taking the time to carefully choose your first roommate is essential for a harmonious shared life.

Here are some tips to help you choose the ideal roommate and avoid unpleasant surprises!

Define your expectations and needs for shared accommodation

Before you begin your search, take a moment to define what you expect from the shared apartment. This will help you be clear in your communications and attract people who share your values.

Clarify your lifestyle and habits

Your ideal roommate is someone whose lifestyle is compatible with yours. Are you more of a homebody or a fun person? Do you prefer quiet surroundings or don't mind some music playing in the background? Taking the time to identify your preferences will help you ask the right questions.

Make a list of your priorities (sleep time, guests, cleanliness) to remind yourself to discuss these points with candidates.

Determine your expectations for cleanliness and organization

Some people like everything tidy, while others are more laid-back. It's important to understand the level of cleanliness you expect from your roommate and share your vision of a tidy shared apartment.

If you're very organized and enjoy a clean space, you might find it difficult to live with someone who's more untidy.

Choose a roommate with a stable financial profile

Financial considerations are crucial when sharing a flat, as expenses must be shared fairly and paid on time. Make sure your future roommate is financially stable to avoid payment-related stress.

Ask for information about the professional situation

A roommate with a stable job or regular income provides security. This means they'll be able to contribute to shared expenses without any problems. Ask casual questions about their financial situation to see if they can cover their share of the rent and utilities.

Don't hesitate to approach the subject like this: "Do you have a stable professional or student situation? This will help us manage common expenses."

Implement a payment management system

To avoid any misunderstandings, establish a cost-sharing system from the start. Using apps like Splitwise or sharing a joint account can make it easier to manage payments and avoid recurring financial discussions.

You can agree to share the costs equally or based on income, whichever seems fairest to you.

Prioritize open and sincere communication

The key to a successful roommate relationship is honest and respectful communication. Look for a roommate who can express themselves, discuss issues without getting upset, and accept feedback.

Ask questions about roommate expectations

During your interview with your potential roommate, discuss the essential topics of shared living: sharing common areas, managing household chores, visiting rules, and privacy. Asking these questions from the outset allows you to verify whether your expectations are compatible.

Suggest trying a roommate for a few weeks to see how you get along on a day-to-day basis, without any long-term commitment.

Establish rules for living together

Discuss the rules from the start to avoid misunderstandings. Define cleaning days, guest schedules, and anything else that might cause disagreements. These rules shouldn't be too rigid, but they do contribute to a harmonious shared life.

You can establish a weekly cleaning schedule or set quiet hours in the evening to respect everyone's rhythm.

Look for similar interests and values

Living with someone who shares some of your values ​​and interests makes sharing a flat more enjoyable and creates a friendly atmosphere. This doesn't mean you have to share everything, but having common ground makes living together easier.

Identify common activities or values

Roommates who share similar values ​​on topics like ecology, hygiene, or privacy are more likely to get along. If you enjoy cooking or watching TV shows in the evening, check if your future roommate enjoys these types of activities too.

Discuss hobbies and interests from the very first meeting. You may find common activities that enhance the friendly atmosphere of the shared apartment.

Accept difference to enrich cohabitation

Even if you're looking for common ground, it's also enriching to live with someone with different perspectives. It can allow you to discover new things and broaden your horizons.

Sharing a room is an adventure where differences and commonalities combine to create unique memories and shared moments!

Trust your intuition for the final choice

After meeting with several candidates and evaluating their profiles, trust your gut feeling. Sometimes, intuition is a good guide to identifying someone with whom you'll feel a connection.

Listen to your first impressions

First impressions are often revealing. If you immediately feel comfortable with someone, the conversation flows smoothly, and you understand each other well, it's a good sign that you could live well together.

Try to take a moment to step back after each meeting to assess how you felt with the candidate and whether the dynamic seemed natural to you.

Make a choice without rushing

Don't rush into filling the room or apartment. Taking the time to meet with several candidates increases your chances of finding someone who will be comfortable sharing with you. Don't hesitate to interview again if you need to confirm your choice.

If you are undecided between two candidates, suggest a second meeting or a short informal outing to get to know each other better.

Living in a shared apartment can be a very enriching experience, provided you choose the right person to share the space with.

By following these tips, you maximize your chances of finding a roommate with whom you will get along well, respect your values, and contribute to a pleasant life together.

Ready to start looking for your first roommate? Browse listings on Housing Place and find the perfect place to live together as smoothly as possible!