Moving to a new city for school is a big deal. With figuring out your classes and trying to make connections, there’s going to be a lot going on. So, as far as finding a roommate goes, everyone wishes the process could be as smooth as possible.

A good roommate is exactly what makes your new place feel like home because they are usually someone you might be able to share late-night snacks with, chores for which you’ll be responsible, and perhaps even a friend. However, how do you go about doing this when you’re new in town? We explain it step by step in this piece, so you can be sure about where and with whom you’ll be living.

In This Article:

Be Clear on What You Need in a Living Situation

Before you get into listings or start chatting with potential roommates, take a moment to figure out what actually matters to you. It’s one small step, but it’ll make everything else you do so much easier. Start by thinking through questions like:

What’s your budget? Be sure to include utilities, internet, and other extras.
Do you want a quiet home, or are you more of a social butterfly?
Are you okay with sharing a bathroom?
What’s your stand on pets?
How far are you willing to live from campus or work?
Are you looking for a place just for the semester, or longer?

Having a list of your non-negotiables gives you something to reference when you start meeting people. It also helps you avoid saying yes to something that doesn’t really fit your needs.

Use Platforms Designed for Roommate Searches

Sure, you could post in a local Facebook group or text your cousin’s friend’s sister, but using a platform that’s built for roommate searches can save you a lot of time and stress.

That’s where platforms like SpareRoom can be really helpful. It’s a platform that connects people looking for flatshares or roommates, and it’s made for exactly this kind of situation you’re in. You can browse listings, and even set filters based on what you’re looking for.

If you’re heading to California, for instance, you can search for a roommate in the SF Bay Area and find tons of legit listings. It’s a great way to narrow your search and connect with people like you who are also looking for a safe living situation.

Always Meet Before Saying Yes

One of the biggest mistakes people make when rushing to find housing is agreeing to live with someone they’ve never actually met. It’s always worth taking the time to talk things through first, and that is something you should always keep in mind.

If you’re already in the city, you can consider trying to meet for coffee or a quick walk-through of the space. On the other hand, if you’re still in the process of planning your move, set up a video call. This gives you a chance to ask questions and get a sense of their personality.

Ask about relevant things like their weekday schedule, how they usually handle cleaning and bills, and other details that are important to you. Observe their countenance when they answer these questions.

Watch Out for Red Flags and Trust Your Instinct

Unfortunately, scams and sketchy situations sometimes happen, especially in big cities. That’s why it’s so important to be on alert and protect yourself against such situations. Here are some good rules of thumb:

Don’t send money before seeing the place
Use secure, traceable transfer methods if you have to pay anything.
Ask for a lease or some sort of written agreement.
Do a quick search of the address to make sure it’s a real listing.

And most importantly: if something feels off, that’s because it most likely is. If your landlord is being pushy or a roommate is dodging basic questions, those are red flags that you should take note of. It’s important to always trust your instincts, and you don’t need to explain walking away from a fishy situation.

Write Things Down

Once you’ve found someone you want to live with and a place that feels like a good fit, put your agreement in writing. It doesn’t have to be overly formal, but having a basic roommate agreement makes life easier for both of you because it sets clear expectations on both sies.

You might want to include details such as the rent amount, when it’s due, and who pays for utilities, internet, and other basic amenities.

Wrapping It Up

Finding a roommate when you’re new to a city can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. When you take your time, ask the right questions, and use tools designed to help, you’ll find someone who fits your space and lifestyle.