How to Find a Roommate in a New City?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

When looking for someone to share an apartment with after moving to a new city, it’s normal to wonder, “How do I find a roommate if I don’t know anyone?”

Finding a roommate in a new city can be daunting. It’s not just about finding someone compatible with your personality and lifestyle but also someone you can trust to share living expenses with,

But living with a roommate can help you save money, make new friends, and feel less lonely. In this article, we will explore some tips and strategies on the best way to find a roommate.

Determine Your Ideal Roommate

Before starting your search, it’s important to determine what you’re looking for in a potential roommate.

Consider your lifestyle habits, preferences, and the living situation you want to create. This will help you create a list of must-haves and deal-breakers to guide your search.

Your ideal roommate should share similar values and habits and respect your space and privacy. Consider the living situation you’re looking for, such as a quiet apartment or a more lively communal space.

Some important factors to consider in an “ideal” roommate include:

• Cleanliness and organizational habits
• Social habits and lifestyle
• Work or school schedule 
• Level of responsibility
• Financial stability
• Hobbies

Be honest with yourself and potential roommates about your expectations and boundaries. Also, be prepared to compromise, as finding someone who matches all the characteristics you hoped for is nearly impossible.

Utilize Online Resources 

When searching for a roommate, online resources can help expand your search and increase your chances of finding a compatible match.

However, make sure to thoroughly read through each listing and take the time to vet each candidate before committing to a living arrangement.

Places to look include;

Websites to find a new roommate

These resources allow you to search for potential roommates based on various criteria, such as location, budget, and lifestyle preferences.

Check out these roommate finder sites;

• Roomies
• Craigslist
• SpareRoom
• Diggz
• Rainbow Roommates (LGBTQ roommate finder)
• Reddit (the city’s subreddit and its classifieds section)

Roommate finder apps

Several apps are available for finding roommates, each with unique features and benefits. Some popular options include;

• Roomi: Roomi allows you to search for potential roommates based on various criteria, including location, budget, and lifestyle preferences. The app also has built-in messaging and scheduling tools to help you communicate with potential roommates and arrange viewings.
• SpareRoom: SpareRoom offers a range of features, such as a built-in messaging system, verified profiles, and the ability to search for potential roommates based on specific keywords and interests.
• Diggz: this roommate finder covers all you bases for all things shared housing: find roommates, rooms for rent, and even full rentals and colivings. What sets Diggz apart is their option to find another roommate to partner up with and find a place of your own. Diggz serves up potential roommates who will be your best fit, based on your habits, lifestyle and circumstances. You can “like” (dating app style), message and chat with your roommate prospects all on their safe platform that is monitored by A.I. and human eyes.

Here are others;

• iROOMit
• Roommates
• Discord/Steam
• Circle for Roommates
• CirTru
• Nooklyn 

Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be great resources for finding potential roommates. Many cities and neighborhoods have groups dedicated to housing and roommate searches. 

Search for groups such as “NYC Roommates” and “LA Housing,” They often allow members to post listings and search for potential roommates.

You can also use hashtags related to housing or roommate searches, such as #roommateswanted or #apartmentshare, to find relevant posts and accounts on Instagram and Twitter.

Local Classifieds and Apartment Listing Websites

Local classifieds and apartment listing websites often have sections dedicated to roommate listings.

Some allow you to post your listing, detailing what you want in a roommate. Narrow your search by specifying your preferences, such as gender, age, lifestyle, and rent budget.

A good example is June Homes.

Network With Locals

Networking with locals is the best way to get a roommate in a new city. Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who live in the area and ask if they know anyone looking for a roommate. They can connect you with someone who is a good match.

Another option is to attend events and meetups in the city, such as social events, networking events, or community gatherings. These events provide an opportunity to meet new people and find a compatible roommate.

Join community groups and organizations like sports teams, clubs, or volunteer organizations to meet people and expand your social network. You can find a potential roommate among the members of these groups who share similar interests and values. 

Conduct a Thorough Interview Process

When you find someone you think is a good match, conduct a thorough interview to ensure they are compatible with you and your lifestyle.

Communicate clearly about expectations and preferences, such as cleanliness, noise level, and guest policies. Also, ask about daily routines and schedules to ensure that your schedules are compatible and that you won’t disrupt each other’s routines.

It’s also crucial to discuss financial responsibilities, such as rent, utilities, and groceries, and household chores, such as cleaning and cooking, to ensure that you have a clear understanding of each other’s responsibilities

Some potential questions to ask during the interview process could include:

• What are your sleeping habits?
• Are you a morning or night person?
• Do you have any pets?
• How do you prefer to split household chores?
• How do you plan to pay for rent and other household expenses? 

Additionally, you may want to consider a trial period before committing to living together long-term to ensure you get along well and are comfortable living together.

Finalize the Living Arrangements

Once you have found a compatible roommate, finalize the living arrangements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable living experience.

Sign a roommate agreement together, which outlines the terms of the rental agreement, such as rent, security deposit, and move-in/move-out dates. Agree on how to split the rent, utilities, and other expenses like internet and cable.

Also, establish a cleaning schedule and house rules upfront. Decide on responsibilities for common areas, such as the kitchen and living room, and set expectations for cleanliness and organization.

You should also discuss potential conflicts before they arise and establish a plan for resolving them constructively and respectfully. By addressing these aspects upfront and setting expectations and guidelines, you can start off in a positive living situation with your new roommate.

Now that you’ve found each other, here are tips on how to break the ice with your new roommate.

Find Your Perfect Roommate

Finding a roommate in a new city can be an exciting yet challenging experience. However, following these tips on how to find a roommate can increase your chances of finding a compatible person to share living costs.

Network with locals, take advantage of online resources, conduct a thorough interview, and finalize living arrangements with clear communication and expectations. And most importantly, stay open-minded and patient throughout the search process. 

So, take the time to find the right roommate for you, and enjoy the adventures that await in your new home!