Moving in with a Roommate: Insights and Advice

Living with roommates is a rite of passage experience for those in college and post-grad life. There will always be challenges and disagreements when you move in with another person, but there is also the potential for friendship and mutual respect. Every roommate is different. However, there are ways that you can make your experience run smoothly so that you enjoy your living space and those you share it with.

Roommate Agreement

Even if you are best friends with your roommate, you should fill out a roommate contract or agreement before you move in and get settled. You can’t expect anyone to read your mind, so being upfront from the start about your expectations for your shared space will open the communication lines.

Discuss issues that might come up–like using each other’s belongings or being responsible for the trash. Write down your preferences with your roomies, and keep a shared document in a place you can both access it if you want to add to it or reference it in the future.

The Decor Discussion

Decorations and furnishings are important for making your place feel like home. Before you move in, start a checklist with your roomie to keep track of what furniture pieces you have and what you might need to get. Even if you aren’t ready to invest in big furniture pieces from a brand like Arhaus, you can check out their social media profiles, such as Instagram, for decor inspiration and then recreate their designs using different items.

To ensure all roommates are involved, start a joint Pinterest page and send ideas back and forth. You might even find some DIY ideas that you can create together or find ways to celebrate your shared interests or photos in your common rooms. You can also check out our previous post to get ideas on how to decorate your dorm on a budget.

Have your Own Space

Within the space, you’ll share with your roommate, try to have a place to retreat to if you need some personal time. This might be tough if you share a smaller apartment or even just a dorm room. This “personal space” might have to be somewhere outside your living space, like your favorite coffee shop or a choice seat in the library.

You should also be honest with your roommate if you ever feel like you need more space. They may not even realize that you think the area isn’t being shared equally, so don’t be afraid to speak up.

Be Patient

It might take a little while to get used to your roommate and for them to get used to you. It’s crucial during this time to be patient and understanding as you begin to understand each other’s personalities and habits on a deeper level.

Even if you aren’t best friends with your roommate, take the time to learn a few things about them and ask them how their day was. If you understand why they do certain things, you might be more willing to forgive their more annoying tendencies.

It is also essential that you and your new roommate are covered by the proper renters insurance! GradGuard caters to college students and offers low deductibles, student endorsements, and worldwide coverage.

Learn more about our insurance offers on our website.

Updated in March of 2022