Sharing a living place with a roommate has its benefits and drawbacks. It’s not always simple to adjust to a new roommate, but it’s feasible if you’re clear about your expectations and needs from the start. It’s a good idea to have some criteria in mind that you may use to assess your possible roommate’s suitability. There are some characteristics of an ideal roommate that you should be on the lookout for.
1. Gives privacy
An ideal roommate should be well aware of the line between bonding time and personal time. Moreover, maintains the line without being too dependent on you.
2. Pays rent on time
This is a significant factor that determines your future relationship with your roommate. If the person you’re sharing a room with is negligent and inconsistent, it is a major issue!
Related: Your Ideal Roommate Match Based on Your Zodiac
3. Respects differences
Say you’re from New York and moved to Europe for university. Now, an ideal roommate who is a native, would make you feel welcome and would acknowledge the cultural differences.
4. Values communication
Roommates often have differences in their lifestyle which can be an issue. However, it’s important that your roommate is open to communication and healthy discussion.
5. Respects boundaries
An ideal roommate description would normally entail habits such as asking for permission before using the roommates’ things. Creepy and sneaky habits are a big no-no!
Related: 6 Shared Apps for Roommates to Help Keep Your Apartment A Conflict-Free Zone
6. Supports and encourages you
Though, your roommate may not be your best friend, but considering the fact that you live under the same roof, an ideal roommate would get along well with you. Moreover, helps and motivates you when you’re distressed!
7. Vibes with your lifestyle
If you’re a night owl, you won’t be able to live with a morning person, or vice versa. Your ideal roommate should also have the same understanding of ‘reasonable volume’!
8. Is not a hoarder
An ideal roommate shares the same mindset with regard to a shared household and splitting expenditure. It’s good to always communicate and set basic rules for a healthy coliving experience.
Related: 5 Signs That Your Roommate Is A Hoarder
9. Maintains basic hygiene
No one wants to clean up after their roommate. However, being “clean” or “neat” means different things to different people. So an ideal roommate should be on the same level as you on such matters.
10. Shares responsibilities
Unless you’re okay with being a Monica to your Rachel like in the sitcom, it’s ideal to split responsibilities. Sticking to a timetable eliminates problems and ensures no one misses their turn!
What fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
Gina Linetti (Brooklyn 99)
Gina is a cool, confident woman who believes in herself the most. But imagine living with someone like her, watching her own the room whenever she walks in and letting all that confidence rub off on you, so you can learn to be a boss, just like her. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect roommate?
Related: Questions You Need To Ask Your Potential Roommate Before Saying Yes
Chandler (F.R.I.E.N.D.S)
Sometimes a joke is all you need to lift up your mood. Having a roommate like Chandler means having stability, support and constant entertainment! Ideal roommate much? We think so!
Jane Sloan(The Bold Type)
If living with someone who is career driven motivates you, then Jane is the one for you! Jane Sloan is the ideal roommate as she is the biggest supporter of her friends and has a no-drama, mature personality.
Related: How to Find a Roommate: The Ultimate Guide
Leonard Hofstadter (TBBT)
Mazikeen (Lucifer)
Living with someone who is a badass can be intimidating, but filled with opportunities to learn. Roommates like Mazikeen are tough on the outside, but once you get to know them, they can be super caring.
Related: How to Find a Roommate During a Pandemic
Ted Mosby (HIMYM)
The selfless roommate who goes to any length for your happiness. Having a Ted to watch your back is a treasure and an ideal roommate you’d never want to lose.
Phoebe Buffay (F.R.I.E.N.D.S)
If you want a roommate who is not only non-judgmental but also appreciates and values you just the way you are, then a Phoebe is your ideal roommate!
How to find the ideal roommate
Let’s face it, it’s 2021 and we get all of our information online. The difference now is that you might have found choices to be limited due to the pandemic. The good news is that this seems to be changing. At Roomi, we noticed that many people were moving away from the city at the start of the pandemic, but Covid effects on the rental market are leveling out.
Related: The Benefits And Conveniences Of A Roommate Finder App
Head to the usual spots to find roommates, such as social media or roommate finder apps. For the added security that comes with background checks, look for roommates using Roomi’s matching service. Using our secure platform, you’ll be able to discuss preferences and lifestyles and be confident that the person you’re talking to is who they say they are.
