Finding the right roommates(s) to live with is just as important as finding the right apartment. Roommate(s) are part of your living environment and lifestyles should be considered before choosing to live together. This is especially true off campus, as your lease agreement requires that you are jointly responsible.
Our Roommate Selection Checklist (mobile version) is a good place to start. Once you have moved in, we recommend filling out a Roommate Agreement with more specifics for how you will use your shared space and manage shared responsibilities.
Topics to Review with a Potential Roommate
Location and Timeline: Discuss where you want to live and commuting preferences. When do you need the apartment? Will we ever sublet rooms?
Budget: Exchange what you feel comfortable paying for rent, utilities, and living expenses.
Sleep and Noise: What times of day do you expect it to be quiet for rest or studying? Will you be on class or on co-op?
Health and Wellness: Be mindful of medical conditions such as food allergies, asthma, etc.
Cleanliness: What type of cleanliness do you expect? Who will perform chores and when? What about pets?
Guests: Are we comfortable with guests? Overnight guests? What boundaries should be in place?
Substance Use: What will be allowed? What are we not comfortable with? What does our lease allow?
Interests: What do you like to do? What type of roommate relationship are you seeking (friends, just roommates, etc.)?
Communication: What do we need in place to check-in with each other? How will we keep ourselves accountable to our shared responsibilities?
Roommate Resources
Off Campus Engagement and Support is here to guide you through the roommate search and providing tools to contribute to a positive living environment.
Conflict Resolution
It is inevitable that some conflict will arise. You are not alone and there are resources to guide you through it. Northeastern’s Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution can help roommates by providing an impartial mediator or providing consultations so you can discuss and manage difficult conversations independently. Submit the Conflict Resolution & Mediation Request Form to request assistance.
If you ever feel unsafe or feel that your roommate’s behavior is concerning, contact Boston Police (9-1-1) or Northeastern University Police Department (617-373-3333) for additional assistance.
