Due to the high cost involved in renting apartments in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, many American students choose to live with a roommate to save on living expenses. Living with a roommate can be a wonderful experience, or an unpleasant one, depending on a variety of factors. However, with clear expectations and frequent communication, you can avoid most problems that roommates face.

Things to Discuss with Prospective Roommates Habits

• Do you smoke? If not, how do you feel about living with someone who smokes?
• What degree of neatness and cleanliness is important to you?
• Do you have a special diet or other special health requirements?
• How much time do you spend at home?

Preferences

• Do you prefer to study at home? If so, when are you most likely to study?
• Are music/TV OK? If so, what kind of music, how often, and how loud? What noise level can you tolerate?
• How often do you want to have friends visit?
• How do you feel about overnight guests? How many nights should they stay?
• Should frequent guests who eat at your home share the food costs?
• How much privacy do you need?

Are you willing to share personal items-supplies, stereo, clothing? Do you expect to be asked for permission to use them?

(adapted from the Student Housing Office, University of California, Davis: http://daviswiki.org/Roommate_Guide)

Expectations

• Will you cook together or buy groceries and prepare meals independently?
• How will housekeeping responsibilities be divided? Divide the chores 50/50? Take turns?
• How will rent, utilities, groceries, and supplies be divided? Can you depend on each other to pay bills on time?
• How will you solve problems?