Choosing a flatmate

Source: Sophie Tindale, Postgraduate Toolbox, Added By:

Choosing the right flatmate can initially seem like a simple task but can often turn out to be a real challenge. Some people go for in depth interviews and background checks, whilst others opt for a get-to-know style you social meeting; ultimately however the key is to choose someone who you feel you can be comfortable with in all situations (including those bump-into-each-other-on-the-landing night time trips to the toilet!). Of course, there is not set way to find a flatmate but this article aims to give you 5 simple things to think about when making that all important decision?

• Firstly, try and decide what characteristics you would like in a flat mate. Think about what kind of person you would get on well with and feel comfortable with. Try brainstorming desirable and undesirable traits and using them to compare different people. Things you could think about include gender, age, profession, personality, smoking/drinking habits, hobbies, friends /guests of the potential flatmate, personal belongings and time spent in the house.


• Based on your desired characteristics try and come up with a list of standard questions that you could ask. This way you will be able to compare answers easily and this will help you to differentiate between people more effectively. It might also be a good idea to run up a list of initial questions that you might ask over the phone or in an email even before you have met them. Possible questions for interviews might include topics such as cleanliness, bad habits, shopping routine, cooking preferences, social life, personality.


• When you get to the interview stage, meet in a public place. Use the help of your family and friends as well. Take a friend with you when you are interviewing people for a second opinion. If they get on with you and impress your friends then they are likely to be suitable. Ask your family and friends about previous experiences/ mistakes with flat mates and try to avoid making the same ones!


• If you find a person that meets your criteria and is approved by your family and friends, make sure you check their references. It might seem awkward and distrusting to ask them but when living with strangers it is important to get that official peace of mind. Try and speak to people that have lived with the person before but make sure that you check that they have actually lived with them, the dates they lived together, how many other people were living with them and the reasons for not living with the chosen flatmate anymore. Also write a list of set questions that you might ask them such as what they enjoyed and disliked about living with the person and what it was like to live with them.


• Finally, once you think you have chosen a flatmate make sure you leave a bit of time before they move in. Sometimes you need a bit of extra time to mull over your decision and have chance to change your mind!

Tags: Flatmate, Home, Accomodation

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