Moving into a new place is always a little nerve-wracking. But when you add in the fact that your new roommate is a complete stranger, it can be downright terrifying! So should you worry about your new roommate?
Well, the answer to that question really depends on several factors. For one, how well do you know this person? Have you talked to them at length? Do you know their personality and what they’re like when they’re home alone? If the answer to any of those questions is no, then yes, you should worry about your new roommate.
But even if you have known this person for years and consider them to be a trusted friend, there are still some things to keep in mind before moving in together. For example, how will your lifestyles mesh? Will your schedules conflict often? How will you handle disagreements or arguments?
So what can you do if you’re moving in with a new person for the first time? How do you find out who they are?
Talk to Them
The best way to get to know your new roommate is to talk to them. A lot. Ask about their various likes and dislikes, their habits, their schedule, their family, and their friends. The more you know, the less mysterious they will be – and the less likely you are to worry about them.
Talk about your expectations for the living situation, too. You should both be on the same page about things like noise level, visitors, chores, and bills. And don’t be afraid to address and discuss any concerns you have – it’s better to get them out in the open from the start than to let them fester and cause problems later on.
Get to Know Their Friends
If you want to get to know your new roommate, one of the best ways to do that is to get to know their friends. Spend some time hanging out with them, either in your new place or out and about. See how they interact with other people and how they handle themselves in different situations. Do they seem like someone you can trust?
You don’t have to be best friends with their friends, but it’s definitely helpful to at least know them and feel comfortable around them. Generally, people are the sum of the five people they spend the most time with. So if your new roommate’s friends are great, chances are your new roommate is great, too.
Check Their Socials
In today’s day and age, it’s pretty easy to get a good idea of what someone is like by checking out their social media accounts. Do they post a lot? What do they post about?
Untrustworthy people often have something to hide, so if your new roommate’s social media accounts are private or they don’t have many posts, that could be a red flag. But if their accounts are open and you like what you see, that’s a good sign!
However, if you see them constantly partying, that might be a sign that they’re not trustworthy and could be a bad influence. If you see them getting into it with other people online, they might be prone to conflict, which is something you should definitely avoid in a roommate.
Of course, you can’t judge someone solely on their social media presence. But it can give you a good starting point for getting to know them better.
Do a Background Check
If you really want to be sure about your new roommate, you can always do a background check. There are lots of online services that will do one for you, and it’s not as expensive or complicated as you might think. This is especially a good idea if you don’t know this person very well or if you have any concerns about their trustworthiness.
A background check will give you a good idea of whether or not your new roommate has anything to hide. It will also show you if they have a criminal record or if they’ve been involved in any legal trouble in the past.
Trust Your Gut
Sometimes, people seem like they’re nice, but you just can’t shake the feeling that something is off. If you have a bad feeling about your new roommate, trust your gut and try to find another place to live. People generally have good instincts when something isn’t right, so it’s probably best to listen to your intuition if you’re feeling uneasy.
Conclusion
If you’re getting a new roommate, it’s normal to feel a little bit anxious. But there’s no need to worry – as long as you take some precautions, you’ll be just fine. Talk to your new roommate, get to know their friends, and check their social media accounts. You can also do a background check if you want to be extra sure. And if you have a bad feeling about them, trust your gut and find another place to live.
