To avoid stress and heartache, if you are choosing who to live with, it’s worth considering the following:
- What are your priorities? Think about what are the most important traits in a housemate – is it someone who’s tidy, or fun, a good cook or doing a similar course?
- How much privacy do you need? Some people will happily never close their bedroom door, whilst others really value their own space and possessions.
- What are your bad habits? Everyone has habits and tastes which might seem odd to you. You need to make sure you recognise this, and learn to be tolerant.
- Early bird or late owl? You might want to think about whether you mind the times people go to bed, wake up as a factor in your compatibility as housemates.
- Be honest about your interests and what you want out of a housemate, it’s better to not live with a friend who’s not going to be a compatible housemate, then risk ruining a friendship.