As you prepare to live off campus, you may be considering living with other people. Here are some tips to help you find the right roommates.
Use Ralphie’s List
Ralphie’s List is CU’s online rental database. CU students can log in with their IdentiKey to search for housing and roommates. You can create a profile and search for other students that may be compatible to live with. Ralphie’s list lets you search for roommates with similar interests, study habits or majors. Get started on your profile now!
Get to know your roommates
You never really get to know someone until you live with them, but there are steps you can take to ensure your future roommate will be a good fit. As you meet fellow Buffs and narrow down potential roommates, take time to get to know them and have conversations about your lifestyles. Remember, you’re probably going to be signing a year-long lease and you will be committed to having these people live with you for that time.
While this list isn’t comprehensive and each person’s situation is different, there are some useful questions to ask potential roommates:
- Whose name(s) will be on the lease (or will all parties)?
- Whose name will be on the utility/phone/cable/internet account?
- How many people will live in the unit?
- How long will each individual remain a resident of the unit?
- Who will occupy what areas of the apartment?
- Does anyone plan to sublet? When?
- How will disputes be resolved?
In addition to logistical questions about living together, find out if your lifestyles are compatible. Take stock of how you like to live, including anything that would be a dealbreaker for you as a roommate. Think about what kinds of leisure activities you enjoy, what guidelines you might have about guests, how you feel about the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs and if you’d be okay living with pets. It may also be helpful to think about what furniture and appliances you have and what you and your potential roommate(s) may need to acquire. Also consider things like study habits, chores and other responsibilities.
You’ll also want to discuss finances. While this can be a tough discussion, it’s necessary to know where each of you stands financially:
- What is your budget?
- How will bill payment be arranged for the deposit, rent, utilities and other expenses?
- What is our monthly deadline for communicating with each other about bills?
- How will we track our apartment payments and expenses (utilities, etc.)?
- Who will be responsible for ensuring payment is submitted if only one person can be on the account as the payee?
Complete a roommate agreement
Once you’ve found someone or a few people to live with next year, consider completing a roommate agreement. This document can help you get on the same page before you move in together, and help resolve disputes more easily in the future. As you discuss your living situation and complete the agreement, here are some things to include:
- Agree on rules about overnight guests, who will pay utilities, alcohol use and other common concerns
- Discuss and agree on rent and responsibilities for the property and its tenants
- Create schedules for cleaning and other household chores
- Discuss how you will handle parties, privacy and pets
- Think of any other provisions that you’d like to discuss and add them to the agreement
Living with new people can be exciting and challenging, and Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations is here to help along the way. If you have any questions, email och@colorado.edu or visit their website.