Roommates

Who you live with may be even more important than where you live, so it’s a good idea to think through the decision of whether to have roommates and who your roommates will be.

The Institute’s website offers students the opportunity to create their own "Roommate Profile" on our Off-Campus Housing Search page to help you in your roommate search. If you are searching for a roommate for your current place, or trying to find someone to live with, you can create your own profile that other MGHIHP students will be able to see, and browse other students profiles as well. Living with a roommate is a way to lower housing costs, however, it's important to choose roommates carefully. Not all strangers make good roommates, but not all friends make good roommates either. Ask potential roommates the question below to determine if you are a right fit.

• Have you ever had a roommate before? What, if anything, bothered you about your past roommates? Did you fight with your roommate a lot? About what?
• Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend or other friend who will be staying here?
• Do you smoke? Drink? If yes to any, how often?
• Do you stay out late on weekdays?
• Did/do you have any credit problems?
• Do you have any pets?
• What is your occupation?
• What do you like to watch on television? What music do you listen to?
• What are your cooking and cleaning habits?

In the end, you should feel very comfortable with your future roommate. Additionally, always make sure your roommate co-signs the lease as well. If your name is the only one on the lease, then you are responsible for the entire apartment from a financial standpoint and if your roommate can't afford to pay, you'll be legally responsible for paying their share of the rent.

Roommate Considerations

Check out the guide below for some additional questions to ask yourself and potential roommates as you begin your search.

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Sample Roommate Agreement

Completing a roommate agreement before you move in with someone can help to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts later on. It's a way to clearly spell out the rights and responsibilities of each roommate, so everyone knows what's expected. Use the sample agreement below as a guide.

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