Finding the ideal person to live with, especially as a freshman, is not easy. Most new first-year college students spend months looking for the right individual to share their room with. They look for someone with a similar personality and living habits, usually, someone who shares their lifestyle habits and interests.
Many people think they have met the ideal roommate only to discover that they do not get along. In addition, many individuals overlook their living habits when screening possible roommates, which is one of the most significant characteristics to check for. Therefore, it might be tough to believe that a roommate finder website would make an appropriate choice while finding a roommate. But, there are many websites to help find a perfect roommate for you.
It is hard to share a tiny bedroom with someone and not grow annoyed with them sometimes, given that most people are accustomed to having their own room, but specific roommate arrangements may become toxic. This isn’t only for first-year students. Even though they no longer have to share a room, students living in off-campus residences may experience the same issues with their roommates.
The key to selecting the best living arrangement is compatible living habits. If both roommates are entirely different in this regard, it might have a negative impact. One of the most challenging elements of living with a roommate is not being satisfied with one’s living conditions and habits. If the difficult living condition worsens, it might lead to a lack of rest, lower grades, and mental health concerns. Living with roommates and sharing a space with a new person cannot be easy, especially when you are a college student and need to focus on your studies and career.
It’s probably difficult to find the ideal roommate, and many roommate finders would say that there isn’t such a thing as a perfect roommate. However, if you decide to live in a shared home or apartment, you must carefully examine the individuals you are comfortable living with. Some factors to think about when looking for a roommate are:
Relationship
First, consider what you want from your relationship with your roommate. For example, if you’re new to a place, you might want to make a buddy who will ask you out for dinner and introduce you to their circle of acquaintances. Or perhaps you are just searching for someone to split the costs with while living independently. Whatever you’re searching for, make it evident to the other person so that you don’t have conflicting expectations.
Lifestyle
Sleeping patterns, job schedules, eating preferences, food intolerances, smoking, and drug usage, pets, entertainment, and hobbies are vital aspects of a person’s lifestyle. You do not have to live in the same house as your roommate, but you should be aware of whether or not your lives will be compatible.
Cleanliness
Most roommate finders declare they are “clean,” yet everyone has a different idea of “cleanliness.” Some people believe that sweeping every day is normal. Others are fine with a fast vacuuming every few months. Some folks can endure mounds of dirty plates in the kitchen while keeping the bathroom pristine. Before you commit to anything, be sure you both agree on what you mean by “clean.”
Responsibility
Protect yourself from unwanted shocks by asking difficult but courteous financial questions. Examine their body language to see whether they are uncomfortable discussing money or are concerned about their economic prospects. You must ensure that they can meet the financial requirements of sharing a house or a room.
Guests
Inquire about a possible roommate’s entertaining habits, home guests, and romantic relationships. If you enjoy having people around, make sure they do as well. If either of you intends to have visitors, decide how long they are welcome to remain. Determine how many days a week it is acceptable for essential others to stay over.
Dispute Resolution
While living with roommates, it is expected that you will experience both personal and practical problems. Whether it’s coping with unpleasant home visitors, rat infestations, or just being irritated with each other, someone’s attitude to dispute resolution in the past typically predicts how they will act in the future. To understand how people react to quarrels or arguments, ask a few questions on previous events rather than speculative future scenarios.
References
Once you’ve reduced your selections down to a few possible roommates, you may request to talk with previous housemates or property owners to understand better if you’re compatible. You could also look at their social media sites to discover more about their habits and corroborate the facts stated by the candidates wanting to be your roommate.
Another effective method to put a possible match to the test is to invite them to spend the evening with you and your friends. Hopefully, they’ll ask you to meet their friends as well. But, again, this allows you to get to know each other in a more casual situation.
That said, keep in mind that it is vital to put in efforts into finding someone who shares your personality, characteristics, and interests. Some personality qualities require an equitable balance between two persons to avoid domination by one. Similar interests are something to search for, but it’s never a terrible idea to expand and meet new people.
Living with roommates under the same roof peacefully is one of the most crucial elements of being a university student. While most people think that having roommates who transform as best friends would be ideal, it’s more vital to have roommates who can establish a safe and drama-free living condition. Sometimes it’s just someone who has the same resting or eating patterns as you. Although roommates may be both a benefit and a curse, it is on you to decide which roommate would be the most compatible with you. Selecting people who share a similar lifestyle — whether their personalities match or not — is the most significant aspect of finding a suitable roommate.
