Monday, November 30, 2009
MTV True Life Casting Call
Have a roommate horror story? MTV True Life is having a casting call and asked us to help. More info. support@roommate2go.com
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Roommate2go.com needs your input please!
We have this cool program that can check your credit, do a backround check and a sexual predator check to prequalify a potential renter when they create a profile on our site. Any ad that is marked as "PRE-APPROVED" receives a whopping 4350% increase in the volume of interested emails sent to them. The problem is we think it costs way to much at $49.95. At what price would it be a value to you to get yourself pre-approved? We would include 30 days of full e-mail membership with the program and top of page (toppost) listings. Would 19.95 work? OR???? Please help and let us know.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Seven "Don'ts" of Roommate Search
The phrase "a roommate from Hell" seems to be universally recognized as the term to describe a roommate who drives us insane with his or her incredibly bad behavior.
It's a fairly emotional expression but it sums up our need to express the anger, frustration and sometimes awe at the outrageous behavior of some people and their complete disregard for others.
However, it's not only extreme behavior that causes us to pull out that phrase. Relatively minor daily irritations can blow up out of all proportion and before we know it we have a major issue on our hands, and the one-time friendly roommate reveals them self as a dreaded "roommate from Hell.
"But are they really "roommates from Hell?" And how do we let these situations arise in the first place? The key is in realizing that during the first few weeks with a new roommate, everyone is on their best behavior. Following the initial "honeymoon" period, things can start to slide and people revert to their own standards of what is, to them, normal and acceptable behavior.
It's these "hidden" standards of behavior that are rarely exposed in an interview and therefore often overlooked right from the beginning.The secret to avoiding a "roommate from Hell" is in carefully planning, searching for and then choosing, someone whose standards and expectations meet your own.
So right off the bat, let's look at some of the preventable reasons why things don't work out in roommate relationships. Here are the seven routine mistakes that people make right from the very start of a roommate search. Failure to pay attention to any one of these steps will turn your search for a great roommate into a game of chance!
1. They don't take the roommate search seriously enough and don't think about the potential consequences of being stuck with a "Roommate from Hell." Anyone who has lived with a troublesome roommate knows only too well how their lives can be affected, right down to the smallest possible level, not to mention the potential for financial and property losses. It's often only with hindsight that people realize they should have given more thought to the whole roommate search process.
2. They don't think about what is going to make them happy in a shared living situation. While they say "love is blind" to our partner's flaws, there is not much forgiveness when it comes to roommates. In the absence of infinite patience, consideration needs to be given not only to the big things that your roommate might do to drive you mad, but also some of the smaller irritations.
3. They don't conduct a wide enough search and consider only one or at most, a very limited number of possible roommates. The more limited the number of candidates, the less likely a comaptible roommate will be found. The larger the pool of qualified interviewees, the better the chances are of finding a really great roommate.
4. They don't conduct a proper interview and only ask a limited number of questions, and even then, they're usually the wrong ones. Without an appropriate selection process and a list of pre-prepared questions, it is impossible to get the right information or make the right choice. The unprepared "chat over a coffee" approach is how many "roommate from Hell" relationships begin.
5. They don't think carefully enough about choosing the right person. Decisions either made in haste or without considering all the relevant information result in poor choices. Taking the time to objectively weigh up one candidate against another or even rejecting all and to continue searching, is an essential mindset. Selecting the "best of a bad bunch" just because there's currently no one else, is a recipe for creating problems, not solving them.
6. They don't bother to check the credentials of the applicants.In the same way that job recruitment people always check the background of applicants, it is unwise to accept anything a potential roommate tells you on face value. Given the potential to disrupt your life and your belongings, background checks on potential roommates are essential.
7. They don't set up and agree ground rules from the start. Unless the finer points are discussed, negotiated and agreed upon up front, new roommates may innocently have totally different expectations of each other. So that everyone knows what is expected of them, a Roommate Agreement and a set of House Rules should be created before the new roommate moves in.
So there you have it, the seven sins of the roommate search. Now that you know what needs to be done, you are already ahead of the game and ready to find a "roommate from Heaven." However, finding an emotionally mature, financially stable, considerate and respectful person to share your home with requires preparation.
Ultimately, how happy you are going to be with your new roommate really comes down to you, because at the end of the day, it's you who finds them, you who interviews them and finally you who chooses them and offers them the room. It really IS, your choice!
It's a fairly emotional expression but it sums up our need to express the anger, frustration and sometimes awe at the outrageous behavior of some people and their complete disregard for others.
However, it's not only extreme behavior that causes us to pull out that phrase. Relatively minor daily irritations can blow up out of all proportion and before we know it we have a major issue on our hands, and the one-time friendly roommate reveals them self as a dreaded "roommate from Hell.
"But are they really "roommates from Hell?" And how do we let these situations arise in the first place? The key is in realizing that during the first few weeks with a new roommate, everyone is on their best behavior. Following the initial "honeymoon" period, things can start to slide and people revert to their own standards of what is, to them, normal and acceptable behavior.
It's these "hidden" standards of behavior that are rarely exposed in an interview and therefore often overlooked right from the beginning.The secret to avoiding a "roommate from Hell" is in carefully planning, searching for and then choosing, someone whose standards and expectations meet your own.
So right off the bat, let's look at some of the preventable reasons why things don't work out in roommate relationships. Here are the seven routine mistakes that people make right from the very start of a roommate search. Failure to pay attention to any one of these steps will turn your search for a great roommate into a game of chance!
1. They don't take the roommate search seriously enough and don't think about the potential consequences of being stuck with a "Roommate from Hell." Anyone who has lived with a troublesome roommate knows only too well how their lives can be affected, right down to the smallest possible level, not to mention the potential for financial and property losses. It's often only with hindsight that people realize they should have given more thought to the whole roommate search process.
2. They don't think about what is going to make them happy in a shared living situation. While they say "love is blind" to our partner's flaws, there is not much forgiveness when it comes to roommates. In the absence of infinite patience, consideration needs to be given not only to the big things that your roommate might do to drive you mad, but also some of the smaller irritations.
3. They don't conduct a wide enough search and consider only one or at most, a very limited number of possible roommates. The more limited the number of candidates, the less likely a comaptible roommate will be found. The larger the pool of qualified interviewees, the better the chances are of finding a really great roommate.
4. They don't conduct a proper interview and only ask a limited number of questions, and even then, they're usually the wrong ones. Without an appropriate selection process and a list of pre-prepared questions, it is impossible to get the right information or make the right choice. The unprepared "chat over a coffee" approach is how many "roommate from Hell" relationships begin.
5. They don't think carefully enough about choosing the right person. Decisions either made in haste or without considering all the relevant information result in poor choices. Taking the time to objectively weigh up one candidate against another or even rejecting all and to continue searching, is an essential mindset. Selecting the "best of a bad bunch" just because there's currently no one else, is a recipe for creating problems, not solving them.
6. They don't bother to check the credentials of the applicants.In the same way that job recruitment people always check the background of applicants, it is unwise to accept anything a potential roommate tells you on face value. Given the potential to disrupt your life and your belongings, background checks on potential roommates are essential.
7. They don't set up and agree ground rules from the start. Unless the finer points are discussed, negotiated and agreed upon up front, new roommates may innocently have totally different expectations of each other. So that everyone knows what is expected of them, a Roommate Agreement and a set of House Rules should be created before the new roommate moves in.
So there you have it, the seven sins of the roommate search. Now that you know what needs to be done, you are already ahead of the game and ready to find a "roommate from Heaven." However, finding an emotionally mature, financially stable, considerate and respectful person to share your home with requires preparation.
Ultimately, how happy you are going to be with your new roommate really comes down to you, because at the end of the day, it's you who finds them, you who interviews them and finally you who chooses them and offers them the room. It really IS, your choice!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
An Introspective Look at the Pros and Cons of Roommates.
Everyone has probably heard at least one friend's or relative's "old college roomie" tale; some are pretty funny while others are horror stories. Because "student" is usually synonymous with "poverty," roommates are considered to be as much a part of college life as "bonehead" English and late-night-pizza runs. However, just as the idea of eating cold pepperoni at two in the morning doesn't appeal to everyone, the idea of sharing living space with another person isn't everyone's idea of a great time.
Before you do anything else, you need to take some time to weigh the pros and cons of living with a roommate. Signing a lease can commit you to coexistence for six months to a year. Before you make any hasty decisions, consider the fact that many marriages don't last that long. Use the information we've provided to help decide whether or not you really want or need a roommate. Consider carefully the pros and cons of each of the following factors:
Why Have A Roommate?
Economy.Living with a roommate is rapidly changing from a preference to a necessity. The average rental ratefor a one-bedroom apartment near many campus' is no longer affordable for many students.Companionship.Roommate companionship can also be a big plus. Going home to an empty apartment may not be your idea of pleasant living. Having someone around to share your ups and downs, or to accompany you to the latest movie on five minutes' notice can be a great asset.
Safety.
Safety considerations should also be a factor when considering whether or not to share an apartment or house. The old saying that there is safety in numbers has a lot of truth in it. A roommate's assistance can be invaluable during an emergency or illness, not to mention the added feeling of security a roommate provides.
Parents.
Appeasing your parents can also be a deciding factor in choosing to room with someone. Parents often worry about their children starting off on their own in the big city, and a roommate can go a long way towards assuring them that you are not all alone.Convenience.Convenience is an obvious, but often overlooked, asset to communal living. Somehow, housework and the other drudgeries of life are not quite so bad when the responsibility is shared.
Roommates are also great for answering the phone when you're not at home, loaning you money for the bus when you can't find your wallet, and letting you into the apartment when you left your keys at a friend's house away from home.
You As A Potential Roommate
If you have decided to live with someone else, the most important thing to do is to take a good look at yourself as a potential roommate. Set aside at least an hour of your time to sit down with a piece of paper and a pencil and do some serious introspection. Don't skip this part, it's really valuable.
List Your Assets: Start with the good stuff and give yourself a pat on the back. Make a list of all of the "pluses" you will bring to a roommate relationship. Here are a few examples, but take time to think up your own. Make sure you cover all three categories:
Personal: Sense of humor, ability to listen, non-smoker, morning person, etc.
Technical: Knowledge of plumbing, phenomenal cook, etc.
Material: Stereo, car, living room furniture, etc.
List Your Faults:
Now that you know you're not such a bad person, consider what "minuses" you will bring to a relationship. Be as honest as you would want your roommate to be with you. (If you can't seem to think of anything, you are kidding yourself). Again, here are a few examples to start you thinking:Personal: Moodiness, sloppiness, you think all Beethoven music is just random noise, etc.
Technical:
You can't change a light bulb, don't know a carburetor from a radiator, etc.Material: No furniture, cooking utensils, TV or stereo.
What Are Your Needs?
What do you want out of a roommate relationship, and what must you have? For example, must you have your own room? Do you fall apart if you don't sleep between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.? This list is vital, so take your time. Now Evaluate. Take a good look at your lists and consider your priorities. What is there about you or your lifestyle that is absolutely crucial to you? If you have always been a slob/ smoker/ morning person, whatever, don't kid yourself into thinking you can change now. If you want to change, great! But don't decide to live with someone who is allergic to smoke just to see if it will make you quit. By the same token, decide what things you might be willing to compromise on to suit your roommate's tastes. Giving these matters some thought ahead of time will make it a lot easier when you actually start interviewing prospective roommates.
Before you do anything else, you need to take some time to weigh the pros and cons of living with a roommate. Signing a lease can commit you to coexistence for six months to a year. Before you make any hasty decisions, consider the fact that many marriages don't last that long. Use the information we've provided to help decide whether or not you really want or need a roommate. Consider carefully the pros and cons of each of the following factors:
Why Have A Roommate?
Economy.Living with a roommate is rapidly changing from a preference to a necessity. The average rental ratefor a one-bedroom apartment near many campus' is no longer affordable for many students.Companionship.Roommate companionship can also be a big plus. Going home to an empty apartment may not be your idea of pleasant living. Having someone around to share your ups and downs, or to accompany you to the latest movie on five minutes' notice can be a great asset.
Safety.
Safety considerations should also be a factor when considering whether or not to share an apartment or house. The old saying that there is safety in numbers has a lot of truth in it. A roommate's assistance can be invaluable during an emergency or illness, not to mention the added feeling of security a roommate provides.
Parents.
Appeasing your parents can also be a deciding factor in choosing to room with someone. Parents often worry about their children starting off on their own in the big city, and a roommate can go a long way towards assuring them that you are not all alone.Convenience.Convenience is an obvious, but often overlooked, asset to communal living. Somehow, housework and the other drudgeries of life are not quite so bad when the responsibility is shared.
Roommates are also great for answering the phone when you're not at home, loaning you money for the bus when you can't find your wallet, and letting you into the apartment when you left your keys at a friend's house away from home.
You As A Potential Roommate
If you have decided to live with someone else, the most important thing to do is to take a good look at yourself as a potential roommate. Set aside at least an hour of your time to sit down with a piece of paper and a pencil and do some serious introspection. Don't skip this part, it's really valuable.
List Your Assets: Start with the good stuff and give yourself a pat on the back. Make a list of all of the "pluses" you will bring to a roommate relationship. Here are a few examples, but take time to think up your own. Make sure you cover all three categories:
Personal: Sense of humor, ability to listen, non-smoker, morning person, etc.
Technical: Knowledge of plumbing, phenomenal cook, etc.
Material: Stereo, car, living room furniture, etc.
List Your Faults:
Now that you know you're not such a bad person, consider what "minuses" you will bring to a relationship. Be as honest as you would want your roommate to be with you. (If you can't seem to think of anything, you are kidding yourself). Again, here are a few examples to start you thinking:Personal: Moodiness, sloppiness, you think all Beethoven music is just random noise, etc.
Technical:
You can't change a light bulb, don't know a carburetor from a radiator, etc.Material: No furniture, cooking utensils, TV or stereo.
What Are Your Needs?
What do you want out of a roommate relationship, and what must you have? For example, must you have your own room? Do you fall apart if you don't sleep between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.? This list is vital, so take your time. Now Evaluate. Take a good look at your lists and consider your priorities. What is there about you or your lifestyle that is absolutely crucial to you? If you have always been a slob/ smoker/ morning person, whatever, don't kid yourself into thinking you can change now. If you want to change, great! But don't decide to live with someone who is allergic to smoke just to see if it will make you quit. By the same token, decide what things you might be willing to compromise on to suit your roommate's tastes. Giving these matters some thought ahead of time will make it a lot easier when you actually start interviewing prospective roommates.
Roommate Survival Guide
Whether you’re a college student, a young adult, or just sick of being on your own, living with a roommate can drastically reduce your cost of living. But let’s face it: living with other people can quickly go from feeling like a slumber party to your worst nightmare. Here are some tips for creating a happily shared household.
The Selection Process
Choosing a roommate is just as important as what you do when you actually live together. While it’s tempting to turn to your friends as potential roommates, living in the same place is much different than just hanging out. While it’s important to be on friendly terms with anyone you live with, you’re much more likely to remain friendly if you choose a compatible roommate.
There are several factors you need to consider before moving in with someone. Set side time to “interview” each other before you start looking for a place, even if you think you know each other very well. Make a list of things that drive you absolutely nuts, things you dislike, and things you are willing to compromise on. From your lists, you should be able to tell whether one of you is likely to make the other unhappy with things like noise levels or mess.
Do you or your potential roommate smoke? If so, is the smoker willing to smoke outside, even on the coldest winter day? Are you comfortable with smoking in your apartment? You should have similar views on this touchy subject; otherwise, you’ll probably make for very unhappy roommates.
Similarly, how well do you and your potential roommate tolerate mess? Unless living like The Odd Couple sounds like your idea of a good time, don’t do it. The neat one will quickly become resentful of having to pick up after the other, and the messy one will resent the neat one looking over her shoulder all the time for traces of debris.
How often do you want people your home? The social butterfly will likely hold many gatherings and often have friends or relatives camping out and lounging around. The recluse views his home as a sanctuary not to be disturbed by the noise and clutter of others. Should the two extremes live together? Probably not.
From the lists you both make, you should be able to figure out your similar and dissimilar priorities and whether or not they make for a mutually comfortable living situation. Have this discussion with several people, and choose only after examining several roommate options.
This is just the preliminary step to establishing a happy home with another person. Once you choose your roommate, you need to work out the details of actually living together.
Chores
For some lucky roommates, doing chores to maintain the household comes naturally and things get done when they need to get done without much discussion. For most, though, a system of compromise needs to be established. You and your roommate should asses what chores need to be performed and how often very shortly after moving in together. From there, you may pick one of two ways to proceed.
You and your new roommate may divide chores into categories and choose tasks that each will perform. For example, one roommate may be responsible for taking out the garbage and doing the dishes. The other might be responsible for vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom. You may also divide the living quarters into rooms and each pick general areas of the apartment to be responsible for.
If both roommates dislike housework or being stuck always cleaning the same thing, consider making a chore chart. Take the necessary chores and frequencies, and put them into a spreadsheet with who does what, and when. Both roommates should make the chart together to ensure the tasks are distributed equally. That way, nobody can complain when it’s her turn to do something unpleasant.
Bills
Because just one person shouldn’t be financially responsible if rent doesn’t get paid on time, all the roommates living together should be on the lease. This makes everyone accountable should a problem arise. This may also help you personally should your roommate bail out and stick you with a rent payment you can’t make on your own. If your roommate signs the lease, he or she is legally responsible for that portion of the rent, and you may take your roommate to small claims court to recoup any losses from your roommate’s failure to live up to her end of the contract.
You will also need to decide what utilities you need and in whose name they will be. While everyone living in a home should contribute to gas, electric and water bills, there may be some luxuries only one roommate wants to pay for. If either you or your roommate will be the only person using cable Internet, for example, that person should be solely responsible for that bill. If one roommate has a cell phone and the other wants a landline, the person using the landline should be the only person paying for the phone in the residence.
For communally shared bills, designate one roommate as the house accountant. The accountant should receive the bills, divide them equally between roommates, post the amount owed by each roommate, collect the money, and send the bills. While this seems like a lot of work for one person, you and your roommate will never have that discussion that starts: “Hey, did you pay the electric bill this month?” This discussion will often end with: “Well I thought you took care of it” and an unpaid bill.
For the house accountant to feel comfortable in that role, the other roommate should pay promptly and without argument. While it seems that this shouldn’t happen, no one likes the banker in Monopoly because that is the person who takes your money away from you. The non-accountant roommate should take over another task to compensate the accountant for his or her time and effort. The non-accountant roommate could, for example, be responsible for dealing with the rental office when you need maintenance performed in your home.
Schedules
You and your roommate may have the same work and sleep schedules. If so, you will need to talk about who gets to spend time in the bathroom and when. If you and your roommate wake up at the same time for work, you will both probably want to be in the shower and getting ready in the bathroom during overlapping times, and this could present a problem if you do not reach a solution quickly.
If you and your roommate are on opposite schedules, you need to each be aware of when the other is sleeping to keep noise levels down. Most rental properties have thin walls that make for poor noise filters, and your roommate will hate your guts if she consistently looses sleep and goes to work tired because of your inconsideration.
Pets
It goes without saying that all pets should be introduced and agreed upon before moving in together. If one of you wants to acquire a pet after you move in, the roommate must agree fully before the pet is brought into the home.
If one of you owns a pet, the other is only responsible for being nice to it and nothing more. The pet owner, for the sake of the pet and the roommate, must feed, groom, bathe, and clean up after his pet in the same way he would as if living alone. For example, if you want your roommate to feed your cat while you are out of town, discuss it with her before you leave and offer to pay her for pet sitting services much like you would a stranger. Remember, when you and your roommate go your separate ways, there should be no doubt that the pet is still yours.
Friends, Lovers, and Others
Having a friend or two over shouldn’t be a problem for any but the most anal-retentive roommate, but there are some things to keep in mind with certain social situations.
1. Parties—Before having a party, make sure your roommate knows about it well in advance and can be there if she wants to be. There is nothing worse than twenty people showing up at your apartment for a kegger you weren’t aware was going to happen, or coming home to a complete disaster left over from a party that happened while you were out. You and your roommate should have veto rights when it comes to large parties involving mess, noise, and debauchery.
2. Significant Others—If you have a significant other that spends the night more than twice a week, you have another roommate. Unfortunately, the significant other pseudo-roommate makes just as much noise and mess and takes up just as much space as the real roommate who actually pays rent. This is obviously not a fair trade for the single roommate. You have two options for creating harmony in this situation. Your significant other can officially move in and contribute an equal share of rent and bill money, or you need to limit the number of nights your significant other stays over.
The Selection Process
Choosing a roommate is just as important as what you do when you actually live together. While it’s tempting to turn to your friends as potential roommates, living in the same place is much different than just hanging out. While it’s important to be on friendly terms with anyone you live with, you’re much more likely to remain friendly if you choose a compatible roommate.
There are several factors you need to consider before moving in with someone. Set side time to “interview” each other before you start looking for a place, even if you think you know each other very well. Make a list of things that drive you absolutely nuts, things you dislike, and things you are willing to compromise on. From your lists, you should be able to tell whether one of you is likely to make the other unhappy with things like noise levels or mess.
Do you or your potential roommate smoke? If so, is the smoker willing to smoke outside, even on the coldest winter day? Are you comfortable with smoking in your apartment? You should have similar views on this touchy subject; otherwise, you’ll probably make for very unhappy roommates.
Similarly, how well do you and your potential roommate tolerate mess? Unless living like The Odd Couple sounds like your idea of a good time, don’t do it. The neat one will quickly become resentful of having to pick up after the other, and the messy one will resent the neat one looking over her shoulder all the time for traces of debris.
How often do you want people your home? The social butterfly will likely hold many gatherings and often have friends or relatives camping out and lounging around. The recluse views his home as a sanctuary not to be disturbed by the noise and clutter of others. Should the two extremes live together? Probably not.
From the lists you both make, you should be able to figure out your similar and dissimilar priorities and whether or not they make for a mutually comfortable living situation. Have this discussion with several people, and choose only after examining several roommate options.
This is just the preliminary step to establishing a happy home with another person. Once you choose your roommate, you need to work out the details of actually living together.
Chores
For some lucky roommates, doing chores to maintain the household comes naturally and things get done when they need to get done without much discussion. For most, though, a system of compromise needs to be established. You and your roommate should asses what chores need to be performed and how often very shortly after moving in together. From there, you may pick one of two ways to proceed.
You and your new roommate may divide chores into categories and choose tasks that each will perform. For example, one roommate may be responsible for taking out the garbage and doing the dishes. The other might be responsible for vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom. You may also divide the living quarters into rooms and each pick general areas of the apartment to be responsible for.
If both roommates dislike housework or being stuck always cleaning the same thing, consider making a chore chart. Take the necessary chores and frequencies, and put them into a spreadsheet with who does what, and when. Both roommates should make the chart together to ensure the tasks are distributed equally. That way, nobody can complain when it’s her turn to do something unpleasant.
Bills
Because just one person shouldn’t be financially responsible if rent doesn’t get paid on time, all the roommates living together should be on the lease. This makes everyone accountable should a problem arise. This may also help you personally should your roommate bail out and stick you with a rent payment you can’t make on your own. If your roommate signs the lease, he or she is legally responsible for that portion of the rent, and you may take your roommate to small claims court to recoup any losses from your roommate’s failure to live up to her end of the contract.
You will also need to decide what utilities you need and in whose name they will be. While everyone living in a home should contribute to gas, electric and water bills, there may be some luxuries only one roommate wants to pay for. If either you or your roommate will be the only person using cable Internet, for example, that person should be solely responsible for that bill. If one roommate has a cell phone and the other wants a landline, the person using the landline should be the only person paying for the phone in the residence.
For communally shared bills, designate one roommate as the house accountant. The accountant should receive the bills, divide them equally between roommates, post the amount owed by each roommate, collect the money, and send the bills. While this seems like a lot of work for one person, you and your roommate will never have that discussion that starts: “Hey, did you pay the electric bill this month?” This discussion will often end with: “Well I thought you took care of it” and an unpaid bill.
For the house accountant to feel comfortable in that role, the other roommate should pay promptly and without argument. While it seems that this shouldn’t happen, no one likes the banker in Monopoly because that is the person who takes your money away from you. The non-accountant roommate should take over another task to compensate the accountant for his or her time and effort. The non-accountant roommate could, for example, be responsible for dealing with the rental office when you need maintenance performed in your home.
Schedules
You and your roommate may have the same work and sleep schedules. If so, you will need to talk about who gets to spend time in the bathroom and when. If you and your roommate wake up at the same time for work, you will both probably want to be in the shower and getting ready in the bathroom during overlapping times, and this could present a problem if you do not reach a solution quickly.
If you and your roommate are on opposite schedules, you need to each be aware of when the other is sleeping to keep noise levels down. Most rental properties have thin walls that make for poor noise filters, and your roommate will hate your guts if she consistently looses sleep and goes to work tired because of your inconsideration.
Pets
It goes without saying that all pets should be introduced and agreed upon before moving in together. If one of you wants to acquire a pet after you move in, the roommate must agree fully before the pet is brought into the home.
If one of you owns a pet, the other is only responsible for being nice to it and nothing more. The pet owner, for the sake of the pet and the roommate, must feed, groom, bathe, and clean up after his pet in the same way he would as if living alone. For example, if you want your roommate to feed your cat while you are out of town, discuss it with her before you leave and offer to pay her for pet sitting services much like you would a stranger. Remember, when you and your roommate go your separate ways, there should be no doubt that the pet is still yours.
Friends, Lovers, and Others
Having a friend or two over shouldn’t be a problem for any but the most anal-retentive roommate, but there are some things to keep in mind with certain social situations.
1. Parties—Before having a party, make sure your roommate knows about it well in advance and can be there if she wants to be. There is nothing worse than twenty people showing up at your apartment for a kegger you weren’t aware was going to happen, or coming home to a complete disaster left over from a party that happened while you were out. You and your roommate should have veto rights when it comes to large parties involving mess, noise, and debauchery.
2. Significant Others—If you have a significant other that spends the night more than twice a week, you have another roommate. Unfortunately, the significant other pseudo-roommate makes just as much noise and mess and takes up just as much space as the real roommate who actually pays rent. This is obviously not a fair trade for the single roommate. You have two options for creating harmony in this situation. Your significant other can officially move in and contribute an equal share of rent and bill money, or you need to limit the number of nights your significant other stays over.
The "Dummies" Guide To Being A Good Roommate
The summer before my freshman year I did a lot of thinking — especially in September, after all of my friends had left me alone in a town whose busiest area was the local train station.B ut even before that, thoughts about the upcoming school year were racing through my mind. Thoughts like, “How many pairs of sandals should I pack?” “How excited should I be for the football season?” And, most importantly, “How am I going to live in the same room with another human being when I’m used to sleeping with the lights on, standing up, with loud music playing?”
Nothing is more stressful in college preparation than wondering whether or not your roommate will be a total downer. You know the type: always wanting to go out on weekends, easy to get along with and willing to be your wing-man at the parties.
That’s why, after much personal experience in the matter, I have taken it upon myself to use my wealth of knowledge to create a roommate guide, which will help everyone become not only a better roommate, but a better person in general.
By the way, you’re welcome.
1) The Love-Making Quandary: Having a significant other can bring a whole new dimension to your relationship with your roommates, which is why I’ve always thought that staying single throughout college is not only more sensible but also really fun. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you to be miserable with the same person day in and day out — why start now?
I understand, however, that many of you will not heed these words of wisdom. I give you this advice: Noise can make or break a roommate relationship. Therefore, if you’re going to make a sweet symphony with your loved one, make sure it’s on a school night, ideally while your roommate is either still in the room or trying to sleep in an adjacent room. Bonus points if they’re suffering from a 102-degree fever and have a midterm the next day.
2) Bathroom Etiquette: This is a very delicate subject because the bathroom is the heart and soul of any apartment or house. For the ladies, moisturizers, hair care products, razors, perfumes, makeup and other essentials will be intricately organized by manufacturer, product name and use. For the guys, a roll of toilet paper and some old, empty toilet paper tubes will be strewn across the counter and floor haphazardly. There will also be a subtle but foul odor.
I haven’t spent much time in ladies’ bathrooms, so my advice there is limited, but I will say this: male roommates can establish dominance over one another and any visitors by never flushing the toilet; it has been scientifically proven that the stale smell of urine is a “territory marker.”
3) Music Choice: It’s not rare for you and your roommate to have different tastes in music. Unfortunately, Housing and Food Services does not check Facebook for roommate compatibility before making assignments.
Therefore, it becomes your job to get your roommate acquainted with your musical preferences. There’s no better way to accomplish this feat than to pick a song he or she would probably find irritating and begin to blare it at full volume.
Don’t turn the music down if your roommate starts shouting at you, as his words are most likely ones of encouragement, in which case you should put the song on loop and repeatedly say, “Seriously, this is the greatest song ever!”
4) Food Consumption: You probably grew up with the idea that sharing is always the best way to get along with others. I whole-heartedly agree with this, which is why it’s safe to assume that any food your roommate buys is open for communal consumption. And don’t worry about offering to repay him now; he knows you will once you get that job you’ve been talking about looking for.
5) Cleanliness: Having your room clean at all times is a must, especially if you’re trying to get someone to sleep in the same bed as you. However, don’t feel the need to keep all of your things in your “agreed upon” space. Use up some of your roommate’s space too, because this will provide a great chance for bonding when he starts acting like he hates you. It will also give you more room for your stuff.
I can’t guarantee that these suggestions will make you a better roommate. But the next time your roommate tries to pry you away from your favorite episode of Laguna Beach or reaching the next level in World of Warcraft, just remember that he (or she) is forgetting the first rule of being a good roommate: leaving you alone.
Reprinted with Permission - Authored by Eric Uthus
Nothing is more stressful in college preparation than wondering whether or not your roommate will be a total downer. You know the type: always wanting to go out on weekends, easy to get along with and willing to be your wing-man at the parties.
That’s why, after much personal experience in the matter, I have taken it upon myself to use my wealth of knowledge to create a roommate guide, which will help everyone become not only a better roommate, but a better person in general.
By the way, you’re welcome.
1) The Love-Making Quandary: Having a significant other can bring a whole new dimension to your relationship with your roommates, which is why I’ve always thought that staying single throughout college is not only more sensible but also really fun. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you to be miserable with the same person day in and day out — why start now?
I understand, however, that many of you will not heed these words of wisdom. I give you this advice: Noise can make or break a roommate relationship. Therefore, if you’re going to make a sweet symphony with your loved one, make sure it’s on a school night, ideally while your roommate is either still in the room or trying to sleep in an adjacent room. Bonus points if they’re suffering from a 102-degree fever and have a midterm the next day.
2) Bathroom Etiquette: This is a very delicate subject because the bathroom is the heart and soul of any apartment or house. For the ladies, moisturizers, hair care products, razors, perfumes, makeup and other essentials will be intricately organized by manufacturer, product name and use. For the guys, a roll of toilet paper and some old, empty toilet paper tubes will be strewn across the counter and floor haphazardly. There will also be a subtle but foul odor.
I haven’t spent much time in ladies’ bathrooms, so my advice there is limited, but I will say this: male roommates can establish dominance over one another and any visitors by never flushing the toilet; it has been scientifically proven that the stale smell of urine is a “territory marker.”
3) Music Choice: It’s not rare for you and your roommate to have different tastes in music. Unfortunately, Housing and Food Services does not check Facebook for roommate compatibility before making assignments.
Therefore, it becomes your job to get your roommate acquainted with your musical preferences. There’s no better way to accomplish this feat than to pick a song he or she would probably find irritating and begin to blare it at full volume.
Don’t turn the music down if your roommate starts shouting at you, as his words are most likely ones of encouragement, in which case you should put the song on loop and repeatedly say, “Seriously, this is the greatest song ever!”
4) Food Consumption: You probably grew up with the idea that sharing is always the best way to get along with others. I whole-heartedly agree with this, which is why it’s safe to assume that any food your roommate buys is open for communal consumption. And don’t worry about offering to repay him now; he knows you will once you get that job you’ve been talking about looking for.
5) Cleanliness: Having your room clean at all times is a must, especially if you’re trying to get someone to sleep in the same bed as you. However, don’t feel the need to keep all of your things in your “agreed upon” space. Use up some of your roommate’s space too, because this will provide a great chance for bonding when he starts acting like he hates you. It will also give you more room for your stuff.
I can’t guarantee that these suggestions will make you a better roommate. But the next time your roommate tries to pry you away from your favorite episode of Laguna Beach or reaching the next level in World of Warcraft, just remember that he (or she) is forgetting the first rule of being a good roommate: leaving you alone.
Reprinted with Permission - Authored by Eric Uthus
New Updates
We are now providing potential matches for roommates based on your profile not just a browse and search feature. We have listened and appreciate all your comments on how to make our site better in this our fifth year. Keep the ideas coming!
We now offer our roommate matching service FREE (mail included) to NYU, BYU, UCLA, UCSD, and SDSU students and alumni at www.NYURoomie.com , www.BYURoomie.com , www.UCLARoomie.com , www.UCSDRoomie.com , and www.SDSURoomie.com .
We want to help the students every way we can in our miserable economy.
We now offer our roommate matching service FREE (mail included) to NYU, BYU, UCLA, UCSD, and SDSU students and alumni at www.NYURoomie.com , www.BYURoomie.com , www.UCLARoomie.com , www.UCSDRoomie.com , and www.SDSURoomie.com .
We want to help the students every way we can in our miserable economy.
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