When searching for an apartment, keep in mind whether or not you will have a roommate living with you, and plan accordingly. There are pros and cons to both living alone and living with someone. If you aren’t sure which would be best for you, here are a few things to think about when deciding if a roommate is right for you.

Having A Roommate

• Split Costs – If you have a roommate, you’ll be able to split costs down the middle. Depending on how many roommates, you can split utility bills, groceries, and more. You’ll be able to save money and have a little bit of cash left over for additional wants or needs. 
• Extra Help – Living with another person who can lend a hand around the apartment means that you do not have to do all of the chores yourself. Similar to splitting costs, you can share responsibility for the apartment. Someone can clean the kitchen, another can clean the bathroom, and it can flip flop from there. If someone has a pet and needs to go away for a few days, there is someone there to watch them, which can save the cost of boarding the pet or hiring a pet sitter. You don’t have to do it all alone. 
• You Won’t Be Lonely – With a roommate, you have someone to communicate with on a daily basis. Especially if you enjoy the company of them, it’s nice to have someone to talk to. Another person can also add a sense of security. If you’re someone who gets frightened from time to time, a roommate may be a good idea. With another person there, you will feel safer. 

Living Alone

• Privacy – If you’re someone who likes doing what they want without asking for permission, living alone may be the best solution. Living by yourself means you wouldn’t have to ask someone if it’s alright to have company over. You can get a pet without worrying if your roommate is allergic. You can do whatever you want whenever you want in your apartment if you live alone. Additionally, you can decorate the apartment however you’d like without worrying if your roommate will approve or if your styles will clash. 
• Problems – You can avoid issues with roommates if you live alone. You don’t have to worry if your they will pay their half of the bills on time or become frustrated if they don’t clean up after themselves. There may be times when you butt heads over something, making your living situation tense and no one wants that.

There are benefits to having a roommate and there are benefits to living alone. It depends on the current situation you’re in and whether you like the privacy of living alone or the company of living with someone. There are upsides and downsides to each one, it just depends on what you prefer.

Do you want to learn more about apartment living? Check out the rest of our blog!