12 Questions to Ask Your New Roommate
It’s that time of year again!
If you are an incoming freshman, I’m sure you’re well aware of how stressful waiting to meet your roommate can be. And if you’re moving off-campus as an upperclassman, you’re probably still trying to figure things out. I was lucky enough to find my perfect roommate (and my best friend), but it definitely took some time to find her. Here are twelve questions you should ask your new roommate, so you don’t end up with a nightmare, and you both know what to expect.
1. Where are you from?
Some people like the idea of their roommate going home every weekend — finally, you have the room to yourself. However, others enjoy their roommate’s company. Also, if your roommate grew up in the area, he or she will most likely have many friends attending Auburn — which may be a fast way to find your new friend group.
2. Do you have any siblings?
An only child may never even had a roommate before, so double-check that they’re prepared to live with another person.
3. What’s your major?
A major can tell a lot about someone’s passions and interests. Do they like to spend hours on the fourth floor of RBD? Or will they need peace and quiet to study at home? An engineering major will likely have different study habits than an art major. Are they laid-back? What does their course load look like?
4. Are you a night owl or an early bird?
We all know those Netflix binge-watchers who stay up until 3 a.m. — I’m even one of them. Can you live with an early bird who wakes you up daily with the smell of coffee at 7 a.m.?
P.S. This would be a good time to slip in a question about snoring.
5. How often do you normally go out?
It takes some serious skill — and ninja moves — to get ready for bed at 2 a.m. after a night out without waking up your roommate. Or are they planning to have late nights out too?
6. Are you single or taken?
Living with a roommate can sometimes be a hassle on its own, but adding a girlfriend or boyfriend to the mix could cause disaster. Even if they're currently single, what do they think is protocol for relationship behavior? The last thing you want is a roommate whose significant other moves in without notice.
7. Where are you on the cleanliness scale?
Most importantly, be honest. Do not be embarrassed to admit you are a slob. You do not want to expect a clean roommate and later discover you are living with a pig. Alternatively, you may not want to live with someone who will nag you every time you forget to vacuum under the couch.
8. Are you introverted or extroverted?
Introverts and extroverts may experience some tension when living together for the first time. Introverts often enjoy staying home alone and generally appreciate their peace and quiet. Extroverts are typically the polar opposite; they like to be around other people and are uninterested with just chilling at home
9. What temperature do you prefer your room?
This may seem like a simple question, but it won’t be when you wake up every night in the midst of a frozen tundra. Trust me, engaging in a passive-aggressive thermostat war with your roommate throughout the day will not end well for either of you.
10. Who is bringing what?
This is by far the most important question; it will avoid the problem of awkwardly stacking two microwaves on top of each other. Make sure you both spend an equal amount of money on the dorm room essentials.
11. Is sharing caring?
Are you okay with sharing food, drinks, or maybe even clothes? It's important to be upfront about this question so you can avoid walking into your room and seeing your roommate exploring your closet.
12. Go Greek?
If you want to rush, it could be nice to have a sidekick during this stressful time of recruitment or pledgeship. Alternatively, you may never escape the continuous drama updates from the chapter.
Can you think of any other must-ask questions when navigating the new roommate situation? Or have any experiences worth sharing? Let us know on social at @AuburnCampusRec!
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Jack P.
Born and raised in Washington D.C., Lindsay is majoring in marketing. Hailing from more than 700 miles away, Lindsay has mastered the question, “How did you end up in Auburn?”
You can find Lindsay fangirling over Jordan Spieth or anything golf-related. And she enjoys Netflix binge-watching, cheering on the Washington Capitals, spending hours on YouTube watching Buzzfeed videos, and listening to '90s rock. Yes, including Nickelback.
Lindsay helps miracles happen in her work with Auburn University Dance Marathon, and she loves the Lord and proclaiming His word.
