The Pros & Cons of Having Roommate

The Pros & Cons of Having Roommate thumbnail
For many people, roommates are integral to apartment living.

Most of us get a crash course in sharing a living space with one or more roommates as college freshmen, within a dorm room. But for students living off-campus, or for young professionals just starting out in their own apartment, having a roommate is a decision to be weighed.

  1. Pros

    • Having a roommate can help cut down on expenses because you'll be splitting the cost of rent and utilities. You can also split the housework. It can be much easier to clean on a schedule, rotate chores and even trade off on cooking meals.

      Besides that, living completely on your own can become lonely. Having a roommate means having someone to talk to at the end of the day, someone who's always around.

    Cons

    • If you enjoy your privacy, you may have difficulty adapting to life with a roommate. Roommates can get on your nerves, and you can get on theirs. You'll lose some freedom if you have a roommate--you may not always be able to do exactly what you want to do.

      There's also the chance your roommate turns out to be irresponsible or messy or doesn't pay bills on time, leaving you in the lurch. If you do get a roommate, you'll need to be cautious of whom you choose.

    Other Considerations

    • If you want to room with a friend, be careful. Even the best of friends don't always make good roommates. Your habits, perspectives on cleanliness or budgets may not mesh.

      Remember, too, that your roommate doesn't have to be your friend, and you don't have to share the same interests. You can get along with your roommate and still lead separate lives.

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  • Photo Credit apartment for rent image by dead_account from Fotolia.com

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