DO YOU REALLY NEED TO INTERVIEW PROSPECTIVE ROOMMATES?
Whether you have known your prospective roommate since
kindergarten, or whether you just met, it is important to set
aside some time for an in-depth conversation to discuss your
expectations. You should meet in person, perhaps over a cup of
coffee. Campus is a great neutral ground. A telephone call just
won't do for something as important as this.
Don't skip any of the following points! Thoroughly explore how
each of you feels about the other's comments. If you are not
clear about something, ask! Better now than after you sign a
lease. Be tactful-say, "I have never shared a bedroom and doing
so now could be a hassle," instead of, "You couldn't pay me to
share a room with someone." But, above all, be honest! If either
of you paints too rosy a picture, you are in for some nasty
surprises later on. If you live with someone long enough, your
true feelings will eventually come out.
You may want to jot down a list of points to consider, such as:
Who Are You?
Discuss your background, your family, home, previous school,
activities before you came to CSUSM, your weakness for Haagen
Daz Rum Raisin ice cream, everything that makes you-you.
What Are Your Needs?
Frankly discuss any and all of the following sticky subjects.
Likes And Dislikes
Regarding smoking, drugs, drinking, pets, music, etc.
Overnight Guests
Boyfriend, girlfriend, family, friends. (This is a biggie! Be
honest about your feelings, many a roommate relationship has run
into big trouble over this one.)
Study Habits
When, Where, and How often.
Kitchen Arrangements
Will you share food costs? What are your nutritional needs? Who
will do the dishes? How often? Does three-month-old spaghetti in
the refrigerator make you crazy?
Housekeeping
Habits How neat and tidy are you really?
Sleeping Needs
What hours? How much? Windows open?
Privacy
How much do you want or need? Private bath? Private bedroom?
Private study space?
Social Habits
Are you dating? Do you like to party? When is entertaining
friends OK and not OK?
Spare Time
How do you like to spend it? Watch TV? Listen to jazz? Raise
white mice for experiments? Read?
How Do You Express Your Emotions?
Are you moody? What are you like when you are down and out? What
are you like when things are good? Are you shy or extroverted?
Are you a good listener? When you are angry do you fight, sulk,
or talk it out? What are your pet peeves?
Where Do You Want To Live?
Are you looking for a house or an apartment? Do you have your
heart set on living in a particular area? Is an
access-controlled building a top priority?
What Is Your Budget?
How much can you afford to pay for rent and utilities? What kind
of "luxuries" (if any) do you require? Cable TV? Telephone? Air
Conditioner?