60+ Important Questions to Ask a Potential Roommate

Download Article

Determine your roommate compatibility with these essential questions

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Reviewed by Seth Hall

Last Updated: May 20, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

General Questions

|

Schedules & Routines

|

Lifestyles & Habits

|

Cleanliness & Decor

|

Food & Pets

|

Personality & Compatibility

|

Dorm Life

When interviewing a potential roommate, it’s important to learn as much about them as possible to determine whether or not you’d be compatible living together. If you’re in this situation, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of questions to ask a potential roommate, so you can choose the ones that resonate most with you. Keep reading for examples of questions to ask about budget, cleanliness, social life, pets, and more!

Key Questions to Ask a Potential Roommate

What is your budget for rent and utilities?
How clean do you like to keep your living space?
What time do you wake up in the morning and go to bed at night?
Do you have any pets?
Do you like to have friends over often?
Do you have any deal breakers or pet peeves?
Do you have any references I can talk to?

Section 1 of 7:

General Questions to Ask Potential Roommates

Download Article

Start with general questions to figure out if you’d work as roommates. There are certain things (such as budget and non-negotiables) that you need to be on the same page about. When you sit down with a possible roommate to get to know them, it’s a good idea to start with these questions, so you’ll know if there’s potential right off the bat.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- What is your budget for rent, utilities, and a security deposit?
- Will you need a cosigner for the lease?
- How would you like to split costs for shared supplies (toilet paper, dishwasher detergent, garbage bags, etc)?
- Where do you work, and what do you do for a living?
- What neighborhood or area do you want to live in?
- Do you have any pet peeves, deal breakers, or non-negotiables?
- How long do you see yourself living in this apartment/home? Are you looking for a short-term living situation, or somewhere to settle down for a while?
- Have you lived with a roommate before, and if so, are you still on good terms with them?
- What is your reason for leaving your last living arrangement?
- Do you have any personal references? Would you provide their emails and/or phone numbers?

Section 2 of 7:

Questions about Schedules & Routines

Download Article

When you're living with someone, it's helpful to have similar routines. For example, it may be difficult if one person works the night shift, and the other likes to wake up at 6:00 a.m. for a morning workout. You’ll likely end up disturbing each other’s sleep cycles, which will leave you both frustrated. Here are some questions about schedules to help make sure you’re on the same page:^{[2]
X
Research source}
- What time do you usually go to bed at night?
- What time do you wake up in the morning?
- Are you a morning person or a night person?
- What does a typical workday look like for you?
- What kinds of activities do you like to do in the evenings after work?
- What time do you usually eat dinner?
- Do you ever work from home?
- What do you like to do on the weekends?
- How often do you travel?

Section 3 of 7:

Questions about Lifestyle & Habits

Download Article

It's helpful to have similar lifestyles and social batteries. Are they a social butterfly who likes to have friends over often? Or, are they an introvert who prefers a quiet, tranquil atmosphere at home?^{[3]
X
Research source} It’s okay for the two of you to have some differences in these areas, but if you’re polar opposites, the living situation can become a bit uncomfortable.
- Are you more introverted or extroverted?
- Do you like to have friends over often?
- Do you enjoy throwing dinner parties or planning social gatherings?
- Do you have any non-negotiable rules about having guests over?
- Are you in a relationship? If so, do you plan on having your significant other stay the night often?
- How do you feel about overnight guests for each of us?
- Do you smoke, drink, or use any recreational drugs?

Section 4 of 7:

Questions about Cleanliness & Decor

Download Article

Your home is your sanctuary, so its appearance definitely matters. It’s a good idea to ask your potential roommate about how tidy they keep their living space, and what their decor preferences are.^{[4]
X
Research source} Here are some questions to ask:
- How often do you clean?
- How tidy do you like to keep your living space?
- How do you feel about clutter?
- How would you like to split up chores?
- What’s your favorite and least favorite chore to do?
- How would you describe your decor style?
- What color schemes do you like or dislike?
- Will you be bringing any furniture or decorative items with you?

Section 5 of 7:

Questions about Food & Pets

Download Article

Preferences about diet and pets can be real deal breakers. For example, if one person is a dedicated cat mom and the other is severely allergic to cats, they might not work out as roommates.^{[5]
X
Research source} Similarly, if one roommate is a vegan who hates the smell of meat, and the other loves to cook steak for dinner, they may not be the best match. To avoid these awkward situations, ask these questions:
- Do you have any pets, or do you plan to get a pet?
- Are you comfortable with pets living in the apartment?
- Are you allergic to cats or dogs?
- Do you have any severe food allergies? And if so, are they so severe that the particular food should not be in the kitchen?
- Do you have any major dietary restrictions, such as being vegetarian or vegan? And if so, are you comfortable with a roommate cooking meat in the kitchen?
- How often do you cook?
- Do you prefer sharing utensils, dishware, and cooking supplies, or do you prefer that we each have our own?
- Do you prefer sharing certain ingredients like spices and cooking oils, or do you prefer that we each buy them separately?
- Do you have any appliances (blenders, air fryers, coffee makers, etc) that you will be bringing?

Section 6 of 7:

Questions about Personality & Compatibility

Download Article

Ask some questions about their likes, dislikes, and hobbies. Getting to know a bit more about their personality will help you determine whether or not you’ll be compatible living together. You may even find someone who can become your friend, as well as your roommate! Here are some questions to ask:^{[6]
X
Research source}
- What’s your favorite movie of all time and why?
- What was the last TV show you watched, and was it any good?
- What kind of music do you listen to? Do you have any favorite artists?
- Are there any topics or interests you’re especially passionate about?
- What are your hobbies? Do you like to read, play an instrument, crochet, hike, do yoga, etc?
- What are your favorite relaxation or self-care practices?
- What’s your zodiac sign?
- What’s your favorite way to spend a free day over the weekend?
- Are you close with your family? Do you have any siblings?

Section 7 of 7:

Questions about Dorm Life

Download Article

Dorm life is a unique situation, so there are some essential questions to ask. Since you’ll be sharing a bedroom and living in pretty close quarters, it’s especially important to discuss preferences and ground rules ahead of time. Here are a few questions that deal specifically with dorm living:^{[7]
X
Research source}
- What’s your class schedule like?
- Do you play a sport? And if so, what’s your practice schedule like?
- What time do you usually go to bed at night?
- If I'm still studying and you're ready for bed, can you sleep with a desk lamp on, or do you need total darkness?
- What time do you wake up in the morning, and how many alarms do you need to set to wake up?
- What temperature do you like to keep your bedroom?
- Do you prefer to listen to music or watch TV with or without headphones?
- Do you want to coordinate the decor in our dorm, or would you prefer to decorate our sides of the room individually?
- If you want to collaborate on decor, what colors do you like or dislike? Is there a specific decor style you like best?
- How do you feel about having guests over? Are you okay with overnight guests?
- Are you more of an introvert or extrovert?
- Would you like to be friends with your roommate, or do you prefer being acquaintances?
- How much alone time do you generally need?
- What’s your major?
- Are you planning on joining any student organizations, sororities, or fraternities?