What should I remember while finding a roommate in US?

The prospect of studying abroad evokes myriad emotions. It makes you feel nervous, excited and anxious all at the same time. Meticulous planning and preparation is required to ensure that you comfortably settle in a foreign land. However, one of the most important aspects that will determine whether your experience will be a memorable one or not is finding a suitable roommate. Whether you decide to use your personal network, pick up an expert roommate service provider or sign up on Craigslist, it is important that you set your expectations right before your roommate-hunting drive. Try deliberating on the below-mentioned factors before you zero in on your roommate! 

Whether you decide to use your personal network, pick up an expert roommate service provider or sign up on Craigslist, it is important that you set your expectations right before your roommate-hunting drive. Try deliberating on the below-mentioned factors before you zero in on your roommate! 

• Start early: In this case, thinking ahead is the mantra. Start looking for your roommate at least two months prior to your departure. How well you plan goes a long way in helping you chose a compatible roomie. Planning ahead will give you sufficient time to consider all aspects before going ahead with your choice.
• Understand each other’s lifestyle and expectations: When speaking to your potential room partner, make sure that you discuss every conceivable aspect ranging from their food habits to lifestyle preferences to sleeping and eating patterns. Once you move in together, you will not be left with many choices.
• Privacy matters: Sharing the same bedroom can also be the underlying cause of conflicts. If you are single and your roommate likes to invite his/her romantic interest every second day, guess what? Your life is ruined! If you are an early riser and your roommate is a nocturnal being, you are in for some distasteful experiences. Apart from intrusion on your personal space, these differences can lead to repeated skirmishes. You should consider the option of sharing your bedroom only if you are on a shoestring budget. But, make sure you mutually agree upon the ground rules. 
• Judiciously weigh all pros and cons: Your roommate may like listening to loud music as opposed to your preference for soothing numbers. You may be gregarious, and your roommate may turn out to be a recluse. While you may be a teetotaler, your roommate might indulge in recreational drugs and excessive smoking. If you think that you can dismiss this as a simple inherent difference between two individuals then you can’t be further from the truth. In the long run, this can become a bone of contention. It is imperative that you talk about your allergies and phobias and carefully consider all aspects before you select your roommate.
• Cleanliness concerns: ‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’ is not a hackneyed expression after all. If you are a neatnik and always expect your house to be sparkling clean, please announce it loud and clear to your prospective roommate. Living with a messy roommate can be more frustrating than you think. Remember to agree upon a routine cleanliness regime before moving in together. You can survive with someone having divergently different views but not with someone who has incompatible hygiene habits.
• Expense sharing: This aspect needs more deliberation than any other. Make an exhaustive list of all the foreseeable expenses and clearly communicate your expectations to your potential roommate. It may sound a little awkward but writing all terms and conditions with clarity will save you from the wrath of unsavory roommate situation. Whether you want to take turns to purchase monthly supplies, or maintain a running list of household expenditures, make sure everything is decided beforehand. Splitting the bill equally for common expenditures works well in most cases.
• Dividing Responsibilities and setting rules: Whether it is about sharing household chores or taking responsibility for paying domestic bills, consider distributing responsibilities and communicating your needs early on. This will prevent you from encountering any nasty situations and things will never go out of hand.
• Sharing belongings: Being approachable is one thing and letting someone intrude in your personal space is quite another. Make sure that you and your roommate agree not to use each other’s personal possessions without permission. Everyone has a unique take on matters concerning sharing space and belongings. Therefore, try to stick to rules and be on the same page with your room partner.

Your roommate will play an important role in guaranteeing a pleasant college experience. While you may never find a picture-perfect roommate, you can avoid the likelihoods of getting into bad roommate situations by selecting your roomie with prudence and caution.