Perfect Roommate in College

Getting plugged in at school is exciting! You get to make new friends, explore the campus, attend some fantastic classes, and find a new apartment.

Along with settling in, you may need to find a roommate. Thankfully the process can go rather smoothly.

Finding the ideal roommate entails finding someone with similar interests and goals.

If you’re wondering how to find the perfect roommate, we’ve got your back!

We’ve outlined seven secrets that’ll help you find the ideal roommate in no time at all.


1. Create a Roommate Qualities list

It’s hard to know what type of roommate you’re looking for unless you take the time to reflect on it. 

Ask yourself some of these questions to determine what type of roommate would be a good fit for you:
  • Would I be able to live with a messy person — or an overly neat one?
  • Am I more of an introvert or an extrovert, and how will this affect my roommate?
  • Do I like to stay out late?
  • What kind of study habits do I have while I’m at home?
  • Do I want a roommate to share common interests, such as having the same school spirit?
After asking yourself a series of questions, write down which characteristics are most important to you. Deciphering which qualities mean the most will help you determine what type of roommate will best fit with your lifestyle.

It’s impossible to find a roommate who will fit everything on your list, but at least it’s a good starting point. And, it’s best to find a roommate who shares similar habits or is willing to compromise on some things.

The best type of roommate is one who shares the same living goals as you so that you can cohabitate in harmony. 

2. Converse with students during orientation

If you’re a new student and plan on attending orientation, this is a great time to get to know fellow students.

Now, you don’t necessarily have to have a roommate who’s in school or the same age. After all, students of all ages attend school!

Although having a roommate in the same age group is indeed more likely to align with your lifestyle.

Since a school orientation typically takes place a few months before school starts, it’s a great time to meet new students like yourself.

While meeting new friends during an ice breaker game, you may have the opportunity to ask someone if they’re looking for a roommate.

If they are, exchange contact information. After that point, you can explore whether becoming roommates is a good idea.

3. Use roommate matching websites

In case you weren’t aware, there are a variety of roommate matching websites like Diggz that’ll help you find a roommate.

Many of these sites require you to create a profile and answer some common questions. A few of these questions may be how much rent is and how many occupants live in the apartment.

If you’re interested in any potential roommates, chat with them on the site. If all goes well, you can exchange contact information and find out if it’s a good match.


Here are a few sites to check out:



4. Join Facebook groups

Beyond roommate matching websites, there are other sites where you can look for roommates. If you'd instead like to try a social media website like Facebook, that's an excellent place to start.

In our modern-day and age, Facebook is becoming a popular way to connect with new people, including potential roommates.

If you're looking for student housing near LSU, for example, try joining a few Louisiana State University student-run groups on Facebook. 

After being accepted into the group, ask if anyone is looking for a roommate. And, if you'd like to just talk about school in the group, the topic may come up naturally, anyway.


5. Ask friends

While hunting for a roommate, don't forget the obvious. Ask friends if they know anyone looking for a roommate.

If no one is, ask them to find out if their friends are looking for a roommate. You never know how connections can help you seek out a roommate who is a good fit. 

Besides, a friend who refers you to a potential roommate can offer advice. They can provide insight as to who they see meshing well with your lifestyle.

6. Have your parents ask their friends

Asking your parents may not be on top of your list. However, it's okay to ask your parents to talk to their friends.

Depending on the situation, if your parents live in the same area, they may be able to assist in your search.

Who knows, they may have a co-worker or friend with a kid who is attending school.

Assuming your parents know their friends well, they'll also be able to help you screen potential roommates. That is if the student has a personality similar to their parents.

Parents may also be candid with your parents about their child's habits. This information can help you make a well-informed decision.

Don't take their word on the potential roommate, however. It's always best to speak to them yourself to gauge whether you'd room well together.

Even though they're your parents, it doesn't hurt to ask.


7. Find out if they’re financially responsible

After having a few potential roommates in mind, screening them is an integral part of the process.

It’s impossible to know everything about a person, but do your best to discover whether they are financially responsible.

To do this, find out if they have a job, whether their parents are paying for tuition, or if they plan to support themselves.

Remember they have to be willing to pitch in for half the rent. In addition to rent, a roommate should have enough to cover a security deposit and other fees.

Be upfront right from the get-go about what they need to have financially. Be open so that a roommate is not surprised when it’s time to pay rent.

This pertinent information will prevent you from getting into a financial situation down the road.

Finding a roommate may take some time. But by being thorough, you should be able to find someone who shares your same interests and habits.

You don’t have to become best buds, but you should share an agreement on rent, cleaning, guests, and the like.

Do your best to figure out who will be a good roommate and don’t let your idea of “perfection” stand in the way. After all, they’re human, and sometimes you have to go with your gut.

It’s your time to shine in college, so find someone who shares and supports your goals!

Author bio:
Ryan Sundling is a Group Marketing Manager at Cardinal Group Management and works closely with Wildwood to help them with their marketing efforts. He has over ten years of experience in the student housing industry.