Hartz: Search for a roommate takes more more planning than you think

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The search for a roommate is comparable to finding your soul mate. Either decision should not be made rashly and based only on “Well, she is really nice and we have so much in common.”

During my past four years at the University, I’ve learned the key factors to determining if someone is the right roommate.

Are you on the same page financially? For example, is your roommate an Internet junkie who downloads every YouTube video in existence, causing you to need the most expensive Internet package? Also, if your roommate’s parents are footing his whole bill, he might not mind leaving the heat at 80 degrees, but every cent you waste on gas comes from your precious paycheck. Figure out an estimated amount you are willing to pay per month. Any additional services or costs are solely up to the individual who wants them.

Think about schedules. Does one of you love getting up at 6 a.m. and blaring rock music while the other doesn’t exist before noon? Will one of you have a pet that needs to be let out during the day but you both have class all afternoon? Compromise and set boundaries such as “No practicing piano before 10 a.m., no matter how convinced you are that you’re the next Mozart.”

Having a similar lifestyle is also important. If one of you wants your crib to be the party pad but the other likes staying in watching Discovery Channel re-runs, then you will have problems. And consider if your potential roomie has a significant other who will eventually become an unplanned third roommate, while you become a third wheel.

But having a roommate who is your Mini Me, only taller, can be just as annoying. Even though you know you’re the greatest person to get along with, living with someone exactly like you will also drive you nuts. Find a roommate who isn’t your clone. You’ll learn a lot, and it will keep your relationship interesting. For instance, if you’re painfully shy, an outgoing roommate can help you broaden your social horizons and try activities you might normally avoid (such as human interaction).

It’s impossible to find a roommate who you will never have problems with. The important thing is to find someone who meets a majority of the above criteria and who is willing to compromise and talk about issues. Communication is what will keep you together, that and a shared love for fried green tomatoes.

Hartz is a Stilwell senior in creative writing.

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