College Roommate Tips
Advice For The Recent Graduate On Finding Roommates
While in college, living with roommates is a common situation for just about anyone you ask. Whether it’s out of convenience or the need to save on rent and living expenses, college students will often have at least one roommate at one point or another. As a recent graduate, you may have previously dreamed of moving out on your own and getting a space you can afford with your new career. However, many recent graduates find themselves still seeking out roommates after college. Unfortunately, many also find it more difficult to find roommates after college than it was while they were inc college.
In college, you have the benefit of a large population of people your age searching for roommates in a smaller location – your chances of finding the right roommate are higher than if you were searching for one randomly. After college, especially if you are relocating to an entirely new area, you may find yourself struggling to connect with potential roommates.
Keep reading for advice for finding roommates as a recent graduate.
Figure out your roommate priorities
In college, you may have been pretty lax with what you wanted as a roommate – they could be loud or quiet, have a completely different schedule than you, and so on. After college, you may want to look for a more quiet roommate who can cohabitate peacefully. Prior to your roommate search, figure out what you are looking for in a roommate.
Ask friends
If you are a recent graduate needing a roommate, you are not the only recent graduate needing a roommate. While your friends may not be looking for roommates, their friends may find themselves looking for a roommate. As you search for roommates, ask around your friend circles, as they are more likely to know people of a similar age that are also looking for roommates.
Plus, if you are getting connections from your friend, they likely are given the “ok” by your friend and they likely also believe you and the potential roommate could be a good fit for each other.
Try to get to know them
In college, you may have the benefit of knowing your roommates prior to moving in. If you elected to live with friends, coworkers, or classmates, you likely had a general idea of who your roommates were and what to expect. Of course, you get to know someone on an entirely different level after becoming roommates with them, but knowing them personally at least a little can help you feel more comfortable than living with a complete stranger.
As a recent graduate, you may find yourself looking at a complete stranger as a potential roommate. Rather than going into it blind, make an attempt to get to know the potential if you have the time to do so. If you’re pinched for time in finding a roommate, you may not be this lucky, but if you have a bit more leeway, schedule a lunch or two to get to know your potential roommate. You can’t get to know everything about them in just two or three chats, but you can build a relationship prior to move-in to get the both of you more comfortable and familiar with one another.
Set expectations
In college, you likely roomed with college students that had similar lifestyles to you. Classes during the day, studying on and off, attending parties or nights out, or hosting nights in. This type of activity was typical for a college student. As a recent graduate, you and your roommates are more likely to have conflicting interests and lifestyles.
One roommate may be a workaholic, bring their work home and opt for quiet nights in. However, you may have a more flexible job, allowing you to choose your own hours, be out and about, and have friends over late on weekdays as an early morning in the office can be avoided. Without proper communication, these two lifestyles can lead to roommate clashes. As a recent graduate, set expectations about your living quarters and what you want out of the space.
Some college graduates are immediately ready to jump into a calm, settled-down life as they settle into a new career. Other recent graduates opt to live it up in life after college. For some, this can mean going out often to hit the bat, but for others, this can mean continuing to host guests at any and all times possible if that’s how they were in college. Whatever the case may be, make sure you and your roommates are on similar pages to minimize potential clashes regarding your lifestyles.
Searching for a roommate after graduating college may seem like an impossible feat, but give it time. It may not be the instant connection you are looking for, but with proper time and care, you can find roommates for your new living situation.
How to Properly Say Goodbye to a Roommate
There’s an age-old saying that goes something like, “When one door closes, another one opens.” Living with a roommate while in college is one of the only predictable things about the college experience, and throughout your time in college, you’ll more than likely experience your fair share of roomies. While you may have thought your freshman-year bestie was in it for the long run, differences in lifestyle or drastic changes could put you back in the market for seeking a new roommate and saying goodbye to your old one.
Goodbyes are never easy, but when the time comes, here are a few ways to send your roomie off in a happy, friendly way!
Before the Roommate Leaves
1. Talk the Decision Out: A change in your living situation, especially if a roommate plans to leave, can affect you mentally and emotionally. When your roommate breaks the news that they plan to leave and move out, have a sit down just to discuss their plans, the future of your living situation, and of course, any emotions that the two of you may be feeling. You want the relationship and situation to end on a good note, so this is the time to voice how you feel, ask any questions and get concrete answers, and understand the change.
2. Go to Dinner: Once the serious conversation and sit down are out of the way, a great way to say goodbye to your roommate is by going out to dinner together. Whether you go to a fancy restaurant or a casual dine-in place, taking the time to get away from your apartment and enjoy each other’s company is a great opportunity to unwind and have fun together. Order some unique drinks, try a meal out of your norm, and don’t forget to take pictures to document the occasion.
3. Host a Party: Parties don’t have to be reserved for birthdays, and another way to say goodbye to your roommate is by hosting a going-away party! If your roommate isn’t into surprises, inform them of your plans to make sure they’re ok with it. Otherwise, keep the party a secret. Gather your friends together, put together an eclectic mix of music, get decorations, and don’t forget about the food! If ordering out or catering is too expensive, ask some of your friends to bring a few appetizers and entrees for a potluck-style gathering.
4. Help Them Pack and Clean the Apartment: A big part of moving out is de-cluttering, cleaning out your space, and packing up your belongings. Outside of the emotional weight of moving, the hectic nature of packing can be stressful, and helping your roommate deal with this is just another way to show them you care. Offer to get moving supplies like boxes and tape, help them pack their clothes, appliances, and toiletries, and try to clean furnishings, vacuum their bedroom, etc. to take some of the burden away.
After the Roommate Leaves
1. Keep in Touch: Just because your roommate moves away, doesn’t mean that you can’t maintain a relationship with them after they leave. While your schedules may not always line up, time can always be made to talk from time to time. Send text messages regularly, FaceTime or Skype on occasion, or write letters to keep in touch. Reminisce on the times you both had while living together, update one another on new things going on in your life, or even watch a movie or TV show to rekindle your old bond.
2. Arrange to Get Together: Whether your old roommate has moved a few miles down the road or to another state, finding time to get together can be difficult. Work, school, home responsibilities, family, etc. can fill up your time and create a busy schedule, so it’s important to be understanding of each others’ obligations. Nonetheless, if you both can carve out time in your schedules to go out to dinner, see a movie, grab a cup of coffee, etc., these small hangouts are just another way to keep the connection going and deal with any feelings of sadness that you both may be experiencing. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to have fun if you’re dealing with stress in life.
3. Find a New Roommate: Finding the right roommate for you can sometimes be a challenge- it’s a big decision! Living with someone other than immediate family or what you are used to isn’t always easy, but if you search for a roommate through trustworthy avenues and do your best to compromise in the areas of chores, cleanliness, communication, privacy, and paying bills, the living situation for the two of you will be stress-free and comfortable. While you are bound to run into some problems along the way, just remember to talk it out and try to see the situation from your roommate’s perspective. And remember, your old roommate will always be around to listen to and understand your potential problems!
Going from living with a roommate to dealing with them moving out is a large adjustment, and at times, proves to be difficult. If you do your best to help them before the move and keep in touch afterward, it will be a smooth experience all around!
5 Signs It's Time To Break Up With Your Roommate
Roommate disputes are normal, but sometimes things can escalate to the point where you need to end things with your roommate. It can be challenging, especially if you are friends, but in the end, breaking ties will save you in the long run.
Image via pexels.com
Communication issues
Communication is crucial in any relationship, even the one you have with your roommate. Having a conversation with your roommate about any of the issues you are facing should be the first line of defense. However, if you find yourself having to keep reminding them and they keep disrespecting your wishes or they are not willing to compromise, it may be time to find a new roommate. The first conversation should be just the two of you. If that does not work, consider having a neutral third-party person step in to help mediate. From there, if things still have not improved, consider moving on.
Your roommate may repeatedly fail to tell you if they are having visitors, especially those who may be spending the night. This is a major thing as you need to plan accordingly, so repeated offenses of not being told about visitors can be problematic. A simple text letting you know they are expecting a visitor is all it takes, so if they are unable to do even that, it may be time to break up with your roommate.
Your sleep is being disturbed
As a college student, you likely get very little sleep as it is, especially if you are busy with homework, studying, work, and student organizations. You need any amount of sleep you can get. However, your roommate may do things like play loud music or turn the lights on when you are trying to sleep. This may be okay occasionally, but if it is becoming a hassle and your grades and work performance are suffering, things need to change.
Property is disrespected
You and your roommate may have some things that you share such as certain décor items and you also have your own personal items that are all your own. If you are finding the things that are either yours are shared are being damaged or even taken, this can be grounds for finding a new roommate, especially if your roommate is not being honest about what is happening with your things. Your personal property is that- yours. You deserve to know that it is going to be respected.
Likewise, your roommate may intentionally be damaging the property you are living at. They are aware of the rules as they also signed the lease and you probably have a roommate agreement, so they know how to properly take care of the property you are renting. Damaging the rental space can negatively reflect on both roommates, even if only one roommate is to blame. It can lead to a negative reference on your next rental application and you may not get your security deposit back. If your roommate is causing property damage, it is time to cut ties.
They are not contributing to chores
Living in your own space means that you are responsible for things such as cleaning, doing the dishes, and other chores to help keep your space clean and tidy. If your roommate is not contributing to these tasks and you have talked to them about pitching in, they are disrespecting you and your time. Cleaning and doing chores in general is tiring and time-consuming. Life is busy and you may opt to take over their chores for a day or a week if you know they have been extra busy. However, if they make a habit of not pitching in, they are not taking your time and other priorities into consideration.
They do not pay their share
Life happens sometimes. Your roommate may have had a bad financial month and may be unable to pay their share of rent this month. You may also have to help them cover their food and utilities occasionally. However, if they are consistently not paying their share of the rent or they are not paying you back when you covered them, it is not fair to you. You have a limited budget as well and you need money for things such as tuition, books, and food. If this is a common issue, let your landlord know immediately and proceed to try to find a new roommate. Letting your landlord know what is happening will allow them to know that you are trying to pay your share but your roommate is not paying their share. They may be lenient and understand that you are doing your best. They will be less likely to hold this against you if your roommate is the one who is unable to pay.
Breaking up with a roommate is hard, but in the end, it can save you time, money, and hassle. If you are friends, it can also save your relationship, especially if you are constantly fighting about roommate issues.
Replacement Made Easy: Top Tips for Subletting Your Space This Summer
By Aaron Swartz
There’s a lot of minutiae that comes part and parcel to living in an apartment, and one of the little complications you may have to deal with at some point in your time as a tenant is the question of subletting. Subletting is essentially adding someone to a preexisting lease, usually as a replacement for someone else. It’s common to see subletting happen when you or someone you live with is about to move and can’t wait for their current lease to end, or simply if the rent is a bit too high and you need to split the load further. This summer, if you’ve got plans involving being away from your apartment for a while you may be interested in subletting your space to keep rent payments going and your space in good shape. To help you find the best temporary replacement possible, here are our top five tips for subletting your room and finding a great subletter.
1. Check with Your Landlord
Our first tip is absolutely our most important one because if you’re not in the clear with your landlord you could be in some serious trouble. As part of the terms of the lease you signed your landlord will have made clear whether subletting is allowed, and in most cases, just going ahead without notifying your landlord will break the terms of your lease and lead to a whole mess of trouble. Before you take any steps to try and sublet your space, check with your landlord about it. They may, unfortunately, tell you that you can’t, but that’s just one of those things you have to accept might happen at the outset. Assuming it’s within the permissions of your lease and your landlord agrees, though, you can move on to searching out a great candidate to sublet to.
2. Word of Mouth
The world may be using the internet more and more every day but there’s a lot to be said about using word of mouth even still. Talk with your friends and family and let them know you’re looking to sublet your room and ask them to spread the word in their circles. We think it’s pretty likely you’ll get at least a couple of interested parties hitting up your phone and email to ask follow-up questions. One of the great perks of using your social circle to find candidates is you don’t need to worry quite so much about references and background checks; you already have at least some idea of who will be living in your home this summer.
3. Go Online
Word of mouth is great like we said, but that doesn’t mean you should discount online resources either. The most powerful tool the internet gives us is the ability to connect with all sorts of people all over, meaning you can find a lot more potential subletters when you go online. Use social media like Facebook and Instagram to start making posts and browsing local groups to see if anyone’s interested. You can also go on sites like Craigslist and other advertisement sites to directly post the details of your room and offer. You’ll have plenty of interested responses in no time.
4. Background Checks and References
When you’re inviting a stranger to live in your home it might be a good idea to do some research about them, or we think it’s a good idea anyway. References are a great place to start. Have any interested candidates provide you with a few references you can reach out to so you can better get a sense of their character. It’s a simple screening step that will save you a lot of trouble if you implement it. Additionally, if everything else about this candidate seems good we’d recommend doing a cursory background check. There’s no crazy work needed for that, but we suggest you do three things:
● Check criminal records at the county, state, and federal level
● Check sex offender registries
● Check their social media profiles and online footprint
Checking these three things will give you an accurate view of their background and should protect you from accidentally inviting a known serial killer into your home.
5. Run an Open House
Our last tip for you is a pretty simple one but it’s a great way to really get people interested and also be more honest with what you’re offering. An open house doesn’t have to be much, just an hour some afternoon, or maybe a few different times, where you show people around the space to generate interest. You can advertise it online and locally and getting some people in the door should help you secure a great subletter for the duration of the summer.
Subletting is an interesting puzzle when it comes to apartment living; you sort of have to become a realtor for a while. With these tips, you should have a great idea of how to find a great temporary roommate with zero strings attached. Happy hunting!
5 Skills You Learn Living With Roommates
Living with a roommate is definitely a different experience for everyone. Some opt to live with their best friends and end up having the best time, or end up seriously questioning their friendship choices. Others elect to live with complete strangers that end up becoming their closest friends, or just stay being someone to split the bills with. Whatever the case may be, living with roommates is a life experience that allows you to learn and grow plenty.
You would be surprised by how much life experience is to be gained just by living with roommates. Keep reading for skills you learn living with roommates.
Communication
Above all, living with roommates is a big opportunity to develop your communication skills. Sure, you will work closely with classmates and colleagues in school and at work, but there’s a level of communication needed to share a living space with another person. Being able to communicate effectively with your roommates is essential in making sure that your living situation is a good one. From cleaning schedules and house rules to daily talks, communication is at the forefront of your relationship with your roommates.
Establishing a relationship between roommates, regardless of how close you are prior to move-in, will allow everyone to feel comfortable voicing their concerns and opinions. For example, if you are the common link/mutual friend between two roommates that did not know each other beforehand. Keep the dynamics in the back of your mind as you communicate – you don’t want to look like you are siding with one friend and leaving the other behind. Make sure everyone has the chance to express their opinions and have a say when it comes to their living situation.
Accountability
Things are bound to go awry at least once or twice between roommates, and that is okay and to be expected. What matters most is that in the event you are the one to mess up, you take accountability for the issue at hand.
Brushing things under the rug, or even passing the blame onto another roommate will only lead to more issues. Just think about how frustrating it would be to see something go wrong in the apartment, know you were not at fault, then see the blame being shifted around as no one takes accountability for the issue. Avoid being the cause of frustration or distrust by taking accountability if you mess up, whether it be forgetting to do a chore to disregarding a roommate policy regarding guests.
Conflict resolution
When things do go wrong with roommates, no matter how small of a conflict, you need to get the issue addressed and solved in a timely and effective manner. A small issue left unaddressed can leave negative feelings among roommates to fester until another issue comes along to have the feelings explode into a full-on blowout. If the issue had been resolved when it first popped up, the impact could have been greatly minimized.
Being able to resolve conflicts between roommates as they come up is essential in keeping things smooth between roommates. Don’t be passive-aggressive – tackle issues head-on as they come.
Organization
Living with roommates, unfortunately, often leads to a lack of space. Any common areas, from kitchen counters and cabinets to hallway storage, are often fair game between roommates. This can often lead to overstuffed fridges and cluttered counters in the bathroom without proper planning and organization.
Note that everyone has the right to common spaces, so if things are getting cluttered, it’s time to sit down and evaluate the space they have. For example, if a hallway cabinet is overflowing with clothes, leaving it difficult to be used for anything else, see how you can organize the cabinet better. Who do the clothes belong to? If everyone is contributing to the clutter, you can choose to have everyone store the clothes in their personal closet. If everyone lacks proper space in their personal closets, a compromise can be to utilize a clothing rack in your living room that everyone can use, freeing up the cabinet to be used as storage for other goods.
Cleanliness
No one wants to live in a messy apartment, especially when the mess is not even theirs, to begin with. Even if you are leaving small messes behind in your wake, if everyone is leaving their own small mess behind, it’s going to create a large mess that someone is going to have to deal with.
Do your part as a roommate in cleaning up after yourself. Take the time to sort out a cleaning schedule/rotation with your roommate to keep cleaning fair and organized.
Living with roommates definitely comes with its challenges, but looking at it as a learning experience where you can pick up valuable skills and life experience can put a positive spin on it.
Planning Travel With Your Roommate
Going on a trip with your roommate can be a ton of fun, whether it is just a weekend getaway or a complete summer vacation. Before you set out, there are things you should know in advance and prepare for in the planning process. Knowing what to expect in advance can help you have the time of your life while being safe and ensuring you are not breaking any major rules.
Decide how you will travel
Depending on where you live and where you are planning you are deciding to go, there are options to get to where you want to be. It may only take you a few hours to get to where you are going by bus or train. Or you may opt to drive or fly. Keep these different options in mind as you are planning, and figure out which is best for you and your roommate. Be sure you are both comfortable with the decision. If you are leaving from your college town, be mindful of what options are available to you.
Book in advance
If you are traveling by plane, train, or bus, book your tickets in advance. This way, you can be sure that you are sitting together and that you are guaranteed the day and time you want. Otherwise, you run a risk of being delayed and having to pick a later day and time. Booking in advance also allows you to pay each other for whoever booked the tickets.
Be prepared for delays
No matter which travel method you decide on, there are likely going to be delays. Flights are notorious for this, but so are buses and trains. You may also hit a ton of traffic if you decide to drive. Be sure to account for any delays when deciding what to do on travel days of your trip, especially the days you are set to arrive in your location. Be patient if delays do occur, and be sure that your itinerary is flexible enough to accommodate them.
Pack snacks if possible
Some airlines, buses, or trains may not allow you to bring your own food on the transportation, but some may allow it. Be sure to check the rules so you know what to expect and can follow the rules and avoid issues. If you are allowed to have snacks, be sure they will not cause allergies. For example, try to avoid things that may have any kind of nut, especially if you are flying or taking a bus or train. If you are driving, the only allergies you have to worry about are you and your roommate.
Bring activities
If you are not driving, or you are alternating, you may want to bring something to do, like a movie to watch or a book to read. This way, you are not fully relying on your roommate to entertain you the whole time, especially if they are more prone to fall asleep on flights, trains, or buses. If you opt to listen to music or watch a movie or show, be sure to bring headphones if you are taking a plane, train, or bus so you do not disturb other passengers.
Stay within budget
It may be tempting to go all out and spend as much money as you want. However, this is not a healthy approach when you need money for things like tuition, books, and living expenses. As much as you would love to go somewhere for an entire week, you may only be able to afford a weekend getaway, especially during the semester. It is also crucial to keep in mind that just because you can afford a longer vacation, your roommate may not be able to. Sit down and talk about how long you can both afford to go away for and come to a compromise. If one of you can afford a bit more, you may decide to help extend the vacation by a day or two, depending on how much your budget is for each day.
Plan your itinerary in advance
Plan your itinerary in advance based on what you and your roommate like to do. Take turns deciding what activities you want to do so you both get to do something within your interests. You may even use this as an opportunity to push yourself to do things you would not have thought to do in the past. For example, you may be more of a museum fan than your roommate, so this will help them see more museums and cultural places. Your roommate may like scuba diving, ziplining, and other more adventurous things. These things may seem scary, but they will push you to try new things you would otherwise be too afraid to do.
Traveling with a roommate can be a fun experience. Planning in advance can help you prepare for anything the trip may throw your way and help you account for problems along the way.
How to Live With Outgoing Roommates as an Introvert
Living with roommates is not always easy, especially if you are an introvert among a set of outgoing roommates. Between having guests over and constant noise floating around, it can become easy to be overwhelmed in your own space.
If you’re an introvert in need of ways to live stress-free with your extroverted roommates, here are six tips to make your life easier!
1. Be Honest About Boundaries: The key to any great roommate relationship, especially between introverts and extroverts, is communication. As an introvert, it is important for you to establish clear boundaries with your extroverted roommates about what makes you uncomfortable as well as your general approach to things. Needing space, having quiet time, staying home rather than going out, having company over, etc., are all things that you can discuss with your roommates to help them understand your needs and foster an environment that makes everyone happy together. Though it might be awkward or uncomfortable to discuss these things at first, getting these boundaries out in the open and off your chest is far better than having a resentful relationship with your roommates.
2. Take Time to Recharge: For most introverts, it can be easy to become overwhelmed when you do activities that require a lot of social interaction, such as going to a party, having a group study session, or simply hanging out with your roommates at home. Regardless of the activity, it is important to take time to “recharge” and unwind. This could take forms in a number of different ways but can include listening to music, watching a movie or TV show, journaling, doing crafts or coloring, reading a book, or taking a nap. Giving yourself time to calm any feelings of anxiety, stress, or overstimulation can help you better cope with being more social with your roommates and help your relationship in general!
3. Find a Space to Decompress: Figuring out activities to de-stress and decompress is oftentimes far easier than settling on a space to do so. Sharing an apartment or dorm with your roommates can make it difficult to have privacy and get some time to yourself. An important part of managing living with extroverted roommates is finding your own safe space to be by yourself, which can be anywhere, from a coffee shop to a nearby park!
4. Go Out of Your Comfort Zone Occasionally: Though you may have lifestyle differences with your roommates, you can still enjoy quality time with them- after all, you live together! Reserving alone time for yourself is important, but it can also be good for you to take a leap and go out of your comfort zone on occasion. Arrange a weekly date with your roommates to catch up, cook a meal together, sit down and watch a show that is everyone’s favorite, or even take a trip to the grocery store! Anything that gives you some quality time with roommates is a great idea. Doing this can not only break up your solo routine, but it can also make your roommates feel closer to you.
5. Be Friendly with Your Roommates: Being an introvert is not an excuse to be rude, plain and simple. While being social may not be your preference or forte, it does not mean that you have an excuse to ignore or be disrespectful to your roommates. Though it is obvious, remember to be friendly with your roommates. It is no one’s fault that everyone has different personality traits and social interaction preferences, and that should not be reflected on your roommates. A simple smile and wave when you cross paths in your apartment can show your roommates that you respect them enough to engage with them, even on a small scale level. In addition, you can be friendly with your roommates by doing small acts of kindness, like making them coffee in the morning, preparing a meal while they’re gone, tidying up if they have been busy, or even writing a handwritten note of encouragement.
6. Invest in Noise Canceling Headphones: Living with outgoing roommates can often get noisy, and if you’re someone who is sensitive to loud sounds like talking, laughing, music, the TV, etc., you can easily become overwhelmed in your apartment. You can gently ask your roommates to lower the volume at nighttime or during hours you need to study/work, but it is definitely worth it to invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones. This way, you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of your favorite music or a Youtube video while your roommates can carry on without worrying if they’re being too loud.
You are bound to have differences with your outgoing roommates if you’re an extrovert, but these six tips will help you manage these differences while building a healthy relationship with your roommates!
How to Help Your Roommate Post-Breakup
By Aaron Swartz
For those who are in relationships, the Valentine’s Day season is a nice occasion to celebrate with your significant others. For those who aren’t in a relationship, Valentine’s Day might entail spending time with friends, eating chocolate, or enjoying being single. There’s a third category of people though, and this time of year can be particularly hard on them: those who were in a relationship until very recently but are now broken up. Breakups are a part of life — most people who spend time dating will have to experience one at some point — but that doesn’t make them any easier to get through. If your roommate is going through a breakup right now they’ll need your support. If you’re wondering just how you can support them, then read on to find our top six ways of supporting your roommate post-breakup.
1. Ask Them How to Help
Everyone has different needs, and there’s no way for you to know what someones are; unless you ask, that is. Asking your roommate how you can help may seem counterintuitive — we’re raised to expect a near-telepathic level of emotional understanding, with or without cues — but there’s nothing wrong with asking. Your roommate may not know what they want or need, and that’s ok too. If they do, though, then you have a direction to take and a good way to support them through the process of grieving and healing.
2. Give Them Space to Talk
Your roommate is probably feeling a lot of emotions right now. Grief, rage, sadness, loss, are all swirling around inside of them. One thing that can be really helpful is to let all those emotions out. Give them space to talk to you about how they’re feeling, what happened, everything. Just let it pour out of them. Don’t worry too much about advice or solving the problem at the moment, just let them vent. Processing takes time and having someone to lean on can greatly help that. Being there for your roommate is a great thing you can do for them.
3. Help With Day to Day Things
One of the hardest parts about a breakup is the fact that a lot of things don’t change. You’re hurting but the world is still turning and there’re still things you need to do. One great way you can support your roommate is by taking some of those day-to-day things off their plate. Whether it’s doing some dishes, finishing a load of laundry for them, or just lending a hand with the daily upkeep of living together, it can be really helpful to someone going through a breakup to not have to worry about the small stuff as much.
4. Don’t Bad Mouth Their Ex
It’s a completely understandable human instinct, especially if the relationship that just ended was a bad one. Breakups can often be great things in the long run, especially if they free you from a toxic or manipulative environment. That’s in the long run, though. In the short term, it usually just hurts a lot. Even if you disapproved of their ex, insulting them or talking about how your roommate is much better off now won’t actually help them or make them feel better. Instead, it’ll make them refocus on what they’ve lost, which isn’t healthy. You’re welcome to pick apart the quality of the relationship at a later date, but when the hurt is still fresh, don’t bad mouth the ex.
5. Help Distract Them
The last thing your roommate needs right now is to ruminate on their pain until it’s all they can think about. Some recollection and angst are normal and healthy, but you should absolutely step in to make sure your roommate isn’t hiding away in their room feeling sad for days on end. Organize some fun, healthy distractions. Go out and do something fun, watch a movie or show together. Think of things they love and make sure you do them together. Distracting them from their pain will help them heal and move on quickly.
6. Give it Time
Healing is a process, and no matter how much you may want to help, there’s only so much you can do. At the end of the day, you can be there to support your roommate but the only thing that can really help them is time. Distractions, listening, help, and support can do a lot of good, and you should absolutely do them, but don’t beat yourself up if your roommate is still sad. They’re gonna have to be sad for a while, but given time, everyone heals from heartbreak.
Breakups are hard, but at least you’re not powerless before them. With these tips, you should have a good idea of how best to support your roommate and get them through the heartbreak and out the other side as best you possibly can.
How To Handle A Roommate Moving Out
No matter how hard you try to find the perfect roommate, situations may arise where your roommate may move out. It can be difficult to navigate, especially in an apartment with a lease where legal issues that may arise. When a roommate does move out, handling the situation calmly and effectively is crucial for moving forward and settling into a new groove.
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Figure out belongings
If you and your roommate shared decorating duties, you will need to figure out who gets what. The simplest way to handle this is to look at receipts to see who purchased what. This way, you can see who paid for which items. The person who paid for the item gets it. If you are still arguing or you cannot find the receipts for an item, consider donating it to a thrift store or another organization. Make sure the person who is moving out is satisfied with whichever you decide.
Talk to your landlord
As soon as your roommate expresses that they are moving out, get in touch with your landlord. It is crucial that you proceed in a way that does not damage your relationship with the landlord, especially if you are looking to stay in the apartment and potentially bring in a new roommate. The landlord will walk you through how to proceed legally without breaking your end of the lease. If you are able to make rent, you are more than likely going to be okay with staying in the apartment. Otherwise, your landlord may not want you to stay. If you talk to your landlord, they will be more willing to help you with the situation.
Have them pay
The roommate who is moving out still may have to pay for things like rent and utilities for the remainder of the lease. If they fail to pay their share, you can take them to small claims court for the amount they refuse to pay. While you do not need a lawyer for small claims court, it may be a good idea to consult with one. If the roommate is on your lease, it is likely that the court will rule in your favor. The court may automatically rule in your favor if the roommate does not show up for court.
Find a substitute cotenant
You may want to have the roommate who is moving out help to find a new person to live in their place, but you should also be searching. When you do find a new roommate, be sure to have them fill out a rental application so your landlord knows who they are and can verify their rental history. This will help ensure that you can continue paying your share of rent and that you avoid legal issues. Avoid the temptation to bring in a new roommate without letting your landlord know.
Check out your roommate agreement
You may have a clause in your roommate agreement to protect yourself legally and financially if this situation arises. The agreement should say how much notice must be given, how much financial responsibility each roommate has, and other crucial information to help navigate the situation.
Communication is key
Communication is important in all aspects of having a roommate, but it is especially crucial to keep in contact through the process of moving out. If you need them to sign documents or pay their share of the rent, you will need to be able to contact them. Have multiple ways to contact them just in case you are struggling to get in touch with them. Remind them of their obligations to pay their share and to find a replacement roommate if needed. If you are struggling to get in touch with the roommate, let your landlord know as soon as possible so they can help navigate the situation.
Be kind to the landlord
Having a roommate move out is difficult for you and your landlord. It is not the landlord’s fault that the roommate decided to leave, so be gentle with them. Be understanding of things that you may have to do in order to assist your landlord, and be willing to provide any necessary documentation and evidence in case it is needed. Keep your space clean, especially if you are moving out and your landlord is looking to show your space to potential new tenants. In general, be a good tenant for the remainder of your lease if you choose to stay. Your roommate moving out is technically breaking the lease and it gives your landlord grounds to evict the remaining roommate(s). If you want to stay, be sure to be an extra good tenant. Pay your rent and utilities in a timely manner and be on your best behavior in general.
Having a roommate move out can seem like an impossible situation to navigate with the legal issues that may arise, but knowing how to handle the situation can help you be sure you are taking care of it properly.
6 Tips to Help You Deal With Being Excluded by Roommates
No roommate’s living situation is perfect. Unfortunately, there are occasions where you can experience roommate problems, whether it be over privacy, splitting bills, or even feeling excluded by them. When you are living with multiple roommates, it can be easy to feel quickly detached and isolated from them, which can lead to more problems.
If you are in a roommate situation where you’re excluded by one or more roommates, here are six simple ways to try and fix the problem.
1. Think It Through First: Just about everyone is guilty of overthinking at some point in their lives. Overthinking can turn even the most level-headed people upside down, so before you make assumptions about your roommate’s behavior and go straight to believing that they are excluding you, try to logically piece together what would make sense based on your relationship with them, your work/school schedule, what has been going on in their personal life (as well as yours), etc. For example, your roommates may work together and be extra busy on certain days of the week, or perhaps you’ve been bogged down with heavy school work which makes you have to be more focused and isolated. Regardless of the situation, evaluate the outside factors that may make you feel disconnected first before you have a sit-down talk.
2. Try to Talk It Out: Communication is a pivotal aspect of making any relationship work, whether it be a romantic, platonic, or roommate one. If you have thought things over and are still feeling excluded, ask your roommate(s) if they have some time to sit and talk with you for a minute, perhaps over dinner or during the weekend when everyone is home. Convey to them everything you’ve been feeling and express to them all the ways that you want to be more included with them. If you have a solid relationship with your roommates, this should be a smooth and easygoing conversation that ends on a positive note. If you have yet to get close to your roommates, this could be a bit more uncomfortable or difficult to handle- be patient and do your best with their reactions.
3. Lean on People Close to You: Sometimes, no matter what you say or do, you still can feel excluded and isolated by your roommates. In this case, try to lean on people close to you, like your friends, parents, co-workers, etc. Schedule a date to Facetime your best friend, give your mom or dad a call, take a walk with some coffee with a classmate, or grab a bite to eat with a coworker. These very real connections can help you feel more connected to those around you and less like an outsider. Remember, if you’re not open with your friends and family, they won’t know that you’re feeling down.
4. Distract Yourself With Your Favorite Hobbies: If you have free time and are excluded by your roommates, one thing that you can do is distract yourself by doing some of your favorite hobbies. This isn’t a total replacement for having friends and close relationships, but taking part in little things that make you feel good. Cuddle up with your favorite blankets and pillows and watch a favorite Youtuber, Netflix show, or movie. Have a self-care day (or night) and get a warm bath/shower, and take time to do your hair and even your nails. Make your favorite meal that reminds you of home and talk with your friends or family to make you feel loved.
5. Offer to Invite Yourself: Sometimes exclusion can happen by accident and without the other parties realizing it. Perhaps in the past, you’ve repeatedly rejected offers to go out, or maybe they’re doing an activity they think you wouldn’t like, in either scenario, it can be hard on your roommate’s end to gauge if it’s appropriate to invite you out or not. In this case, try “inviting yourself” and see where that conversation can go. Ask them if you can tag along when they go out, or better yet make your own plans and invite them to join you.
6. Take a Break From Social Media: In today’s world, it is almost impossible to not see what everyone is doing, which can definitely make you feel lonely and excluded. Taking a break from social media can give your mind and heart a rest from the pressures that social media exudes, and help your mental health overall. When you’re ready to get back on, do so- but don’t forget you can get back off at any time.
Confronting your roommate(s) about feeling excluded takes courage and can feel uncomfortable, but if you are honest about your feelings and take time to care for yourself, dealing with the situation will be much more tolerable.
