37637598 on 13/9/2008 at 08:37
I've never lived with a roomate before and I'm looking to get a new place (just got dumped) so... In your bright and smart ass witted opinions, Are roomates generally as bad as ya see in the movies? Or is only the bad apple of the bunch?
Ugh, a whole new life ahead of me... Or death... However it goes.
Thanks!
Kolya on 13/9/2008 at 09:42
Hello numbers. I have a flatmate and that's cool. We're giving a big party tonight... Not sure about a roommate, I like my bit of privacy.
howie on 13/9/2008 at 13:24
I had room mates in college and for the most part where good. Make sure you have someone that has a good job and good standings within the company. Do interveiws with people you are considering, get referances from him, and ask why they are leaving their current residence. Basically do an investigation on them. The biggest problem in my apartment complex is people being evicted for non-payment. If I were you I would sign or get the lease in your name only so you can throw the bum out if he is not holding up his half of the cost. Be prepared for this event if it comes.
Thief13x on 13/9/2008 at 13:46
I've had some awful experiences with roommates here in college. That said I now know that the only way to ensure a good roomy is to be brutally honest from the getgo before you even move in.
FIND OUT what their cleaning habits are, their sleeping habits, and make sure they know what you can't tolerate. I've had many a roommates start off really great, but once they get comfortable with you no longer being a stranger (usually after a few weeks) they stop cleaning, start partying, etc...
Don't fall victim to the same trap I have, it's miserable as hell, especially when you're stuck in a lease. just be sure that you and him/her are very honest about habits before moving in.
gunsmoke on 13/9/2008 at 14:49
If it weren't for house mates in my late teens/and 20's...I'd have most likely been homeless or back at mom's house...*shudder*
Shayde on 13/9/2008 at 17:50
I had a roommate who turned out to be a psycho bullimic who always ate all my food. I caught her breaking into my room at night to watch me sleep. Had another, a Ugandan guy who used to bring prostitutes home - do you have any idea how awkward it is to make hallway conversation with a prozzie?
I say you should do it, if they suck at least it'll give you some interesting stories.
Thief13x on 13/9/2008 at 18:04
Quote Posted by Shayde
I say you should do it, if they suck at least it'll give you some interesting stories.
Please clarify, the prostitute or the roommate?
AR Master on 13/9/2008 at 18:51
If you can afford it, no roommates. Privacy is golden
Sulphur on 13/9/2008 at 18:57
Depends on your tolerance for people, really. As well as your skills with them. Usually, the more you know the person you're moving in with, the better.
The last schmuck (who I will refer to from now on only as the schmuck) we had was this guy who'd take our rent money and head over to the races with it. He'd blow up that and a month's salary easy, and then come back and borrow more money from us without telling us why and lose that as well.
The schmuck got married then and moved out (more like ran out), but not without having borrowed the land lord's credit card and creating a substantial amount of debt on that as well that we had to bear the brunt of, on account of not wanting the land lord to throw us out.*
So yes, careful who you choose.
I've had my best friend as a flat mate for years now, and while it's not been perfect (and as a reality check, keep in mind that it will never be perfect, just like with most relationships), it's good to have someone approachable when you have issues.
Of course, we've had our fair share of shit slinging and fights (a broken switchboard and a scar on my left hand can attest to that), but eventually we worked everything out. Having someone you can speak to honestly and openly helps.
*On account of the flat being registered in the schmuck's name only. It wasn't registered in my name or my friend's because we'd moved in later.
aguywhoplaysthief on 13/9/2008 at 19:47
Depends on your personality. I've had at least seven room/house mates over the years, and I've only had a problem with one of them.
However, if you have a difficult personality, or aren't able tell people what you have problems with, then it's better that you be alone and in poverty. Most problems (in my experience) have to do with people not being clear and open about things.
