OFF-CAMPUS LIFE

Download the "How to Live with Roommates" PDF

• How much are you willing to pay for your portion of costs?
• How do you feel about cleanliness, noise level, number of visitors, pets, etc?
• Do you have a backup plan if your roommate(s) unexpectedly move out?

• Think of people you could live with comfortably. These may or may not be your best friends at NU. Why do you think you can live together?
• Need an NU roommate? Go to Find a Roommate on our website to view roommate listings or create your own.

• How will we divide rent, deposit, and utilities? Will all roommates pay equal amounts?
• Whose name will be on the lease (or will all tenants’) and on utility bills?
• Who is responsible for sending payments?
• What will we share and what will be individual (groceries, cleaning supplies, etc)?
• How long do you plan to live here?
• What is your daily schedule like? When will you be around?
• What would it be like to live with each other? Sit down and talk about habits, preferences, moods, and values.
• Get to know each other. Take the time to ask and answer questions – about family, hobbies, academic interests, etc.

• Deadlines for rent and utility payments
• Household chore schedule
• Noise level and protocol for visitors/guests/significant others
• Alarm rules, hitting the snooze button could be disturbing
• Locking the doors when leaving
• Preferred methods of communication (notes/text/email)
• How conflicts will be resolved

• Be open, friendly, and understanding.
• Compromise. You are both individuals with different perspectives.
• Never assume. Talk about each other’s expectations for privacy.
• Give each other space. Talk about each other’s needs for alone time.
• Always ask permission. Don’t just borrow the iron or eat the cookies, even if it seems O.K.
• Don’t repress feelings. Communicate with your roommate if he or she is doing something that is bothering you.
• Appreciate your roommate. Praise, respect, and courtesy are the foundations for any positive relationship.
• Check out the Roommate Checklist to read more about house sharing tips.