If you needed $100 to keep the air conditioning going in the middle of summer, you would sure hope your roommate paid his end of the utility bill, wouldn’t you? Electricity is important. So is phone service, trash removal, and of course, keeping your place in that nice, cozy apartment you rent. Pay your bills. Pay them on time. Even if it looks like you’ll be short—find the money, especially if the bills are in your roommate’s name. Credit histories will determine your futures: don’t screw it up.
Don’t be afraid to discuss problems
I know, I know, you’ve followed all the rules to this point and things still aren’t working out. You’re the best roommate in the world and it’s killing you. It’s time to talk. Make sure you choose the right time. You don’t want to jump your roommate on the worst day of their lives, but you also shouldn’t put it off forever. Gently explain the source of the conflict and suggest several ideas to alleviate the problem. If you can’t work out your differences on your own, it may be time to bring in an impartial mediator.
Own your own
It might seem like a good idea to go in halfsies on that cool leather sofa, new refrigerator, or set of bunk beds. It may even work for a while, but what do you do when it’s time to move? No roommate relationship lasts forever and if you’re fighting over who gets the couch you may end up wishing for a good divorce attorney. If you buy the couch and he buys the microwave, you’ll not only know how to split up the furniture, you’ll gain a new respect for your stuff.
Living with another person doesn’t have to be an unpleasant anthropological experiment. Some of my best friendships were formed with the girls who shared my apartment. I made plenty of mistakes and I’m sure you will too, but with a little work, you can have an excellent time being a roommate.