How to Choose an OffCampus Roommate
When it comes to college housing, having a roommate off campus is far less stress to deal with than living with a roommate in a dorm. Dorm rooms are cramped and if you don’t like your roommate, you’ll be stressing every time you leave them alone in the room with all of your stuff. Plenty roommate horror stories come from both off campus housing and on campus, but the on campus take the cake every time. Nothing beats having your own personal space, and with off campus housing, that is a total possibility as long as you don’t have any squatters in your room [also known as those who overstay their welcome]. Plus, if you’re worried about your roomie touching your stuff, buying a door handle with a lock is not too expensive and it’s easy to install.
Rules to Picking a College Roommate However, there are some tips if you have yet to lay out the ground rules with your new off campus roommate, even if they are your friend,
Who’s occupying which rooms?
How will the rent be split? (sometimes the one who takes the master will pay a little extra)
Which utilities are in which roommate’s name? (i.e. cable, electric, water etc.)
Evenly split the cost of furniture and household supplies – that way, if you ever split up, no one will be left with nothing.
Determine a plan if any apartment damages occur. (If it’s your guest, you clean – if it’s a mutual friend, split the damages)
When it comes to food, are you paying individually, or is all food communal?
Talk to each other about anything concerning a guest – lay out rules for how long guests can stay, and if you are uncomfortable with your roommates guest, then they should agree to respect your wishes. If you and your roommate ever find yourself caught in conflict, do you best to resolve the issues yourselves before it escalates too much. If you allow the conflict to create continuous tension, you will both end up having to buy yourselves out of the rest of your lease AND find a new place to live – let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with that.