How to Search for a Christian Roommate

Finding a roommate is an economical way to minimize the financial weight of independent living. Because each person's background varies greatly based on childhood location, parental status and financial upbringing, roommate conflicts can be both irritating and stressful. Roommate conflicts are so common that some colleges, such as Willamette University, offer conflict resolution services to help minimize disagreements. Choosing a Christian for a roommate who shares similar beliefs to your own is one way to decrease potential arguments and conflicts.

Instructions

1. Find out if anyone at your church needs a roommate. This is one of the simplest ways to ensure your roommate has similar beliefs to your own. Tell Bible study and Sunday School leaders that you are looking for a roommate and ask if anyone in their classes needs a place to live.

2. Search online. Roommate websites, such as Access Christian or Roomster, are designed to link potential roommates with similar beliefs and opinions. Registration is a simple process that takes only a few moments, after which you can create a post or respond to roommate advertisements.

3. Advertise in your community. Print up fliers or small posters and post them on local bulletin boards. College campuses typically have bulletin boards in each academic building and allow students to post fliers free of charge. Community Centers also host bulletin boards in the lobby. Additionally, you can put up advertisements for a roommate on public restroom stall doors or in your newspaper's "Want" ads.

4. Interview potential candidates. Before signing a lease together, interview potential roommates to discuss financial obligations, religious opinions, work shifts and class schedules. Ask questions such as, "are you a night person?" "Do you cook?" and "What do you think about throwing parties?" You should feel comfortable and at ease with the person before agreeing to room together.

Tips & Warnings

• Evaluate what religious beliefs you want your roommate to have. Even amongst Christians, religious perspectives and Biblical opinions vary greatly. Decide what issues are most important to you in finding a roommate. For example, would you like a roommate who attends church regularly or just someone who shares the same religion as you? Do you think it is okay for Christians to consume alcohol or would you prefer that your roommate abstain? It is important to find a Christian who has similar beliefs to yours so that you get along as well as possible and avoid lifestyle conflicts.

References

• Colorado Christian University: Roommate Information
• Willamette: Roomate Conflicts

Resources

• Center for Parent/Youth Understanding: Conversations for the College Bound
• Delaware State University: Roommate Success Guide
• Access Christian
• Roomster: Christian Roommates
• Christian Housemates