Questions to Ask a Potential Roomie Before Moving InDecember 16, 2019

You received an unconditional offer from a university. You won't have a problem with tuition and other expenses during your first year. You have started reading on the modules that you would enroll during the incoming semester. You only need to look for a roommate.

You have looked into the university's Facebook page, and then checked out the freshmen (Facebook) section. You made a list of names, and then sent a message. And you stalked their social media accounts as well. There's a good chance that you would get a response, as incoming freshmen are friendly enough. (Who doesn't want to have a new mate before the end of the first month?) This is your opportunity to think of a set of questions and then ask them about it. You may be tempted to ask the teaser trailer of "The Eternals", but the upcoming Marvel film will be released one year from now. (You can save your questions until then.) And it may not be a good thing to ask about their favourite character in Australian literature. (It would be a huge mistake to assume something, even if you're about to study literature.) It's best to opt for practical things, which would help you decide if this student would be the perfect roomie (or not). Are you ready?

Living with Someone and Other Questions?

What are you studying? The answer to this question could make you decide if this student would be a perfect roomie. It doesn't matter if you pursue the same course of study as him (or her) as him (or her) or your field is different from him (or her), as no two (university) students have the same set of study habits. On the other hand, this potential roomie could be a lifesaver if both of you would pursue the same course. Don't expect him (or her) to initiate a study session.

What time do you go to sleep (or wake up)? The answer to the first question would give you a clue on this question, yet there's no harm in asking about it. Some prefer the long hours of the evening especially if it's an essay on a novel of six hundred pages or more. This (study) habit doesn't apply to all students who pursue a degree in Math (or Science), but you won't know until the end of the first month. The succession of assignments and examinations could change one's sleeping hours, so you might want to talk to your potential roomie about it.

Do you plan to go home often? The response of your potential roomie would determine if you should have the room all by yourself. It's likely to happen during the weekend, but don't think about what you could do (on weekends). If this (potential) roomie lives far away, then you should be observant about his (or her) routine. You can also ask him (or her) about it, which is better.

Have you lived with someone else before? The answer to this question could test you and your potential roomie. If one of you hasn't share a room with a stranger, then it's likely that this student values space. It would be the same thing with other students. If you're an extrovert, if not someone who has gone places, you must show patience. If you happen to like other students, then try not to take everything seriously. Humor would go a long way.

How neat do you like to be? The answer would settle which side of the room you would take, but you won't know if your potential roomie is a fuzzy type or someone who finds inspiration from an untidy setting. You would test the limit of your tolerance, so let your roomie know what you feel when you're still not used to it.

What are you pet peeves? You're dying to know the answer to this question, but it might be impolite to ask about it right away. You must make sure that you would ask it before the end of your first week, though.

What activities were you involved in high school? The answer should help you decide if this roomie would be your best mate. You might share a common interest, if not both of you are fans of a particular TV program. You could be supporters of a certain rugby team, if not like to play backyard cricket whenever there's a free time. It's OK if you don't have any common interest at all, as the university offers a wide range of activities. Don’t be shy to ask him (or her).

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You’re likely to meet a procrastinator, as well as the silent type. And there won’t be a shortage of both types of students. You’ll also meet a borrower, whom you should sense before you get chummy with him (or her). And expect to size yourself to someone oozing with confidence, if not a self-assured one. Last but not the least, a number of students won’t see you as their cup of tea. Don’t take it against them.

Anyone of the above could be a potential roomie, which you shouldn’t alarm you. The university encourages students to have an open mind. And communication would settle any problem you might encounter. Don’t break a leg on this one.

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