Roommates

 Our office provides a platform for your roommate search. This platform connect members of the Stony Brook University community who are in the search for off-campus roommates. Submit a listing and then search through the profiles of others. 

*The Office of Commuter Students and Off-Campus Living does not match roommates. It is up to you to contact those who seem to have similar preferences with the contacts provided.*

Compatibility:

Consider asking a prospective roommate the following questions to ensure that you find the right match for your personality and lifestyle. Click HERE for a printable version of this question list.

• Do you have references?
  •  You would never take a job applicant's word for how great they are, nor should you with a potential roommate.
  • Ask for a testament from a former roommate or personal references like friends and work colleagues (two or three should be plenty).
  • Ask for their reference's phone numbers and emails-people tend to be more candid on the phone, but emailing is a good backup if your calls go unanswered.
• What challenges have you faced in past living situations?
   Bug or rodent infestations, bad landlords, repairs, and so on: how they handled these challenges will provide you with insight on whether you are dealing with someone who can get things done.
• Are you still friends with your old roommates?

  If your potential roommate tells disaster story after disaster story, pay heed to the red flag.

  If the person is somewhat hesitant to discuss their past roommate situation you may consider this as yet another red flag.

• How long do you plan to stay?
  If you are looking for a long-term, secure situation, you will want to weed out those looking to rent for only a short period of time.
• How long is your average school/work day?
   You may want to know if your potential roommate has a similar schedule or a schedule that leaves the two of you in the space at opposite times. Both situations present pros and cons. For example: Similar schedules allows for carpooling to campus, while opposite schedules ensure that the bathroom will be open for use when needed.
• What time do you usually go to bed?
   Try to find out as much as you can about this person's late-night habits and how they can affect yours.
• Do you have any pets?
  Each landlord has a different policy on pets. Make sure you know if your potential roommate plans to bring a pet with them.
• Do you expect a lot of visitors?

  If guests plan to stay in your shared apartment, you will want to establish rules as to how long they can stay (maybe no more than a weekend or a couple of days).

  If they seem to have a packed schedule of out-of-town guests already, you may want to steer clear.

• Do you smoke and how often do you drink at home?

  Smoking:

  • Living with a smoker is a deal-breaker for some, and an essential question to ask if your lease forbids smoking indoors.
  • If they say they are occasional smokers, ask how occassionally.

  Drinking:

  • You will want to make sure that your roommate is on the same page.
  • If you typically avoid alcohol but your roommate wouldn't mind a Tuesday hangover, you may not mesh.
• What is you romantic situation?
  If you have only met one half of the couple, you are basically signing on for a third roommate you have never met (which we know is a bad idea). Also, if they are in a serious relationship, you may expect a lot of sleepovers.
• Can you put down a deposit?
  Like any landlord, you need to protect yourself in case your roommate skips out on the rent.
• Is there anything else I should know about you?

  Maybe they forgot to mention new activities they have picked up or whether they have allergies. Let the interviewee take the lead here and let their personality really come through.