Getting a roommate is the best way to save money. I mean, think about it. You’re paying half the rent, half the groceries, and if you find someone the same size as you half the cost of new clothes. But the truth is, living with people is hard. They could be your new best friend or your absolute worst nightmare and there’s no way of telling unless you’re three months in and you want to pack their stuff up for them and walk them out the door. That’s why you need to ask your future roomie these 17 crucial questions to really find out if it's going to work out.
1. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Personality type is a huge tell, this question answers a hundred other questions. Introverts are more likely to want to stay in and chill, while an extrovert is more likely going to want to hit the bars Thursday through Saturday.
2. Do you like to cook or eat out?
Cooking does not mean pouring milk over cereal. If they like to cook and you don’t, maybe they’ll cook for you if you pick up a few other chores. Or maybe you’ll have the perfect person to check out every new restaurant in town with.
3. Are you a neat freak or an occasional slob?
Minimalism vs. messiness. If they’re okay with a mess and you’re not then run. Clothes left on the floor and dirty dishes are the #1 fight roommates have. I mean, is it that hard to put your towels in a hamper though?
4. Are you a night owl or a morning person?
Some people stay up all night and get all their work done best when the moon is out. Others work best at 6 in the morning. This can work as long as both roomies know how to be quiet.
5. Do you care if we have a pet?
Do they care if you bring your cat? Are the cat hair and constant purring going to bother them? Because you and your cat are a package deal… so….
6. What do you do in your free time?
This is how you find out if they’re a murderer or not. Kidding… sort of. Maybe you have the same hobbies like hiking or playing the piano. You’ll never know if you don’t ask.
7. What is your worst habit?
Which of your habits irritates your mom the most? (Because mom always knows best.) If it’s hair down the drain this might be a goodbye because that’s disgusting.
8. Can you keep secrets?
Because living with someone means they see all of you… like allll of it. So you need to know if they will go behind your back and spill all your secrets or keep them just between the two of you.
9. Do you have chores at home that you do now?
If their parents do their laundry, clean their rooms, and cook for them… run. If they don’t know how to be self-sufficient they’re most likely going to rely on you a lot.
10. Are you a sharer?
‘If my laptop stops working, will you share yours?’ ‘If I run out of toothpaste can I use yours?’ …Because you’re probably going to snipe their shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner once in a while anyway.
11. Do you have a significant other?
Is it going to be a problem when your boyfriend is over 24/7? Or is it chill to have people in the apartment all the time? These are the real talk questions you need to ask.
12. What’s your credit score?
Have you ever missed a payment? Have you ever paid rent before?
This can really affect your own credit score so it’s important to know you’re living with someone who’s dependable.
13. Are you allergic to anything?
Fake bitches.
No, but really, it’s important to know when you’re buying food and sharing snacks. If your roomie's throat is going to blow up from the Halloween candy you buy for the neighborhood kids, then avoid it at all costs.
14. Do you have a car?
You should find out if she’s the type to take you to the mall just to be nice or ask for gas money when you ask for a ride to the bus stop at the corner.
15. How do you like studying?
Do you require peace and quiet or prefer listening to music? Headphones are a terrific invention.
16. What are your absolute deal breakers?
Smoking? Partying in the apartment? Towels left on the floor? Lights left on? The door unlocked? It’s good to know these right off the bat.
17. Anything else you think I should know…
If they say nothing– they’re lying. Or they’re boring AF.
At the end, remember to ask your future roommate if they have some questions for you. After all, they might also have some requirements. Living with people is never easy, but knowing the answers to these questions will you keep you sane (for at least a little….).
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