While movies like, Single White Female and other TV shows portray having a roommate in a negative light, there are definite benefits to sharing your apartment with a roommate. Not only can a roommate liven up your apartment, considerably, but also there are several advantages to having a roommate. In the following information, we will answer the question, “Why do I need a roommate?”
Whether you are moving in your best friend since childhood or a total stranger — there are some advantages to having a roommate.
Benefits of Having a “Roomie”
- Bills and expenses are shared – having a roommate allows renters to cut the majority of their living expenses in half. Roommates can help by shouldering half of the burden for your heating/air-conditioning bill, electric bill, phone bill, garbage disposal bill, cable bill and more.
- Someone to talk to when you are lonely – having a roommate means your lonely nights will be fewer and farther in between. When your schedules allow it, you will have a companion to discuss your day with or exchange small talk with, rather than coming home to a quiet, empty house.
- Stranger turned friend – having a roommate that you barely know is a great way to make a new friend and its fun getting to know each other, as well.
While there are many benefits to having a roommate, there are also special considerations to think about, if you want to save yourself from hassles in the future. It’s important to lay everything out on the table, so that the terms of the “contract” (even if there is no contract) are clear to both parties. This helps to avoid misunderstandings or problems in the future, therefore think about these factors related to having a roommate.
Things to Consider:
- You are both coming from different backgrounds, which means you will each have very different habits and different lifestyles.
- It’s important to give your roommate plenty of personal space and privacy and he or she should reciprocate, unless or until you become better friends.
- It’s important to discuss exactly what you will both be financially responsible for (i.e. – rent costs and utility expenses) prior to coming to an agreement.
- The rent amount for each party should be determined by factors such as, the larger bedroom will be higher rent or the person who gets the bedroom with more closet space or has a better view will pay more for rent.
Not only will a roommate mean you will have more money to spend on what you want throughout the month, but a roommate can also transform your apartment into a friendly and inviting living arrangement — which is nice to come home to after a long, hectic day. However, before jumping into a short-term or long-term commitment with a roommate, it’s important to be sure to make sure they have privacy and ample personal space and that you both understand the payment terms, in order to have a successful roommate relationship that helps with the bills and can also make your apartment, even cozier by providing companionship, as well.

When it comes to apartment rentals, many people are surprised how expensive this can be especially in some locations. So, is there any way you can have the apartment of your dreams and be able to afford it? Yes, there certainly is, if you just know exactly the best way to do so. One great way to get you in the apartment of your dreams and allow you to stay there is to find a roommate to help you share some of the expense.