Finding the Perfect Roommate Is All About Leveraging Resources Wisely
Finding a great roommate can fix a lot of problems. People who are looking to split the cost of their rent, or simply want companionship whenever they get home at the end of the day can benefit from finding a great roommate. Whatever the reason for seeking a housemate is, there’s nothing better than finding a compatible match that a person can get along with.
Unfortunately, reality can bring such plans to an abrupt halt. Many of the prospective roommates you’ll come across during your quest have character flaws that can make your life a living hell. Although it’s not good to judge people, finding someone that you click with is the easiest way to avoid conflicts in what should be your refuge from the crazy outside world. Follow these tips to make rooming with someone easier.
Roommate Matching Resources
If there’s one positive thing that you can say about the internet, it’s that it makes it simple to find people in search of long-term lodgings in Buffalo. Some examples of tools/resources that you can use to begin your roommate search include:
- Craigslist.com
- Roommates.com
- Rommiematch.com
- Reddit.com
Is there one search resource that beats all of the others? Each tool is different, and you’re usually better off casting a wider net. Try your luck on multiple platforms to raise your chances of finding a suitable match, and be open about what you’re looking for. Although you don’t need to expose your sensitive personal details, sharing your wants is the simplest way to get in touch with someone who has similar residential desires.
For a more personal touch, simply post that you are looking for a roommate on your social media platforms. Maybe one of your friends was looking for a roomie and you didn’t even know it! Maybe you aren’t so lucky, but chances are that one of your friends on these platforms at least knows someone else that is looking for a place! A referral from a friend is usually a more appealing option that moving in with a complete stranger.
Pick Roommates Proactively
As anyone who’s ever tried to move in with their significant other knows, cohabitation takes patience and effort. Living with another human being is all about cultivating mutual respect for one another’s needs, but you can’t expect other people to read your mind or even share the same opinions. For instance, the hours that you feel are reasonable might strike your new roommate as totally out of line, or their definition of what constitutes cleanliness could look like a hellacious mess in your eyes.
Don’t wait until you’ve signed a lease with someone to lay the ground rules. Most housemate search platforms let you list the kinds of values you prefer to live by in great detail. Take advantage of this by going beyond basics like whether you smoke or feel open to living with pets. Always share and search for details like
- Whether your job or personal preferences require you to keep certain hours,
- If you have medical conditions that your roommate should be aware of, such as severe food allergies,
- What kinds of rent, utility and other financial responsibility-sharing arrangements you expect to maintain,
- How you’ll divide common areas in the apartment or home, and
- What kinds of political backgrounds, nightlife habits and drug usage patterns you deem to be dealbreakers.
Finding a roommate isn’t hard in the Information Age, but you’ll have to do your homework.
When you and your newly found roommate are at the stage of looking for apartments in Buffalo, contact Ellicott today to schedule tours of our apartment and townhome properties around Buffalo!
