Finding Roommates

Who you live with may be even more important than where you live, so it’s a good idea to think through the decision of whether to have roommates and who your roommates will be.

While your best friend might seem like an obvious choice, be sure that you have considered the challenges that living in close quarters will bring. Living together can sometimes strain friendships, especially if you disagree about cleanliness, parties, guests, paying bills, or expectations of each other.

Check out the video and tools below for some tips on things to consider as you start your search.

Using the Off-Campus Roommate Finder & Housing Search

Roommate Finder Filters

Utilize the Roommate Finder to filter by social and cleanliness habits, graduation year, gender identity, and more. Start by creating a profile and sharing a bit about yourself.

Already have a place?

In addition to creating a roommate profile, you can create a listing to share in the Housing search to reach more potential roommates. This way, your property listing will be visible to anyone searching the site, versus it only being visible to other WCU affiliates who have an active roommate profile.

your property listing will be visible to anyone using the site, rather than being limited to only those affiliated with Western Carolina University who have active roommate profiles.

This way, your property listing will be visible to anyone using the site, rather than just those from CU Denver with roommate profiles. Your listing will be tagged as "Shared Housing" on the Housing Search page.

Roommate Considerations

The guide below offers some suggested questions to ask yourself and potential roommates as you begin your search.

(Click to enlarge/download)

Tips for choosing who you will live with pdf


Sample Roommate Agreement

Filling out a roommate agreement like the one below before you move in with someone can help avoid any misunderstandings later on. Having your expectations in writing can alleviate stress and confusion and keep everyone on the same page.

(Click to enlarge/download)

SAMPLE ROOMMATE AGREEMENT This agreement made on ________________ (date) is a contract between: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________co-tenants, for the rental premises located at ______________________________________________________. This agreement is to last for the same term as our lease agreement, which runs from ________________ to ________________. I understand that I am entering into a legally binding agreement that is enforceable by and between my roommates. I understand that this agreement is not enforceable with regard to my landlord, and will not protect me against any claims that my landlord may have against myself or my roommates under our lease agreement. Security Deposit: The security deposit for the rental premises is $________________. My share amounts to $________________. I accept responsibility for damages which I, my pet(s), or my guests cause, and I will reimburse my roommates for the part of the security deposit withheld for these damages. Rent: The total rent according to the lease agreement is $ ________________ per month. I promise to pay $________________ per month on or before the due date set forth in the lease agreement. My payments will be made to___________________________________(ex. directly to the landlord or to co-tenant). I understand that we as a group, and I as an individual, are responsible to the landlord for the total rent due for the full term of the lease agreement. I understand that the landlord can evict all of the tenants if the landlord doesn’t receive the rental payments in full and on time each month. Utilities: I promise to pay 1/____ of the deposits and/or hook-up charges for all utilities. I promise to pay 1/____ of the monthly utilities (water, gas, electric, etc). I promise to place the following utilities in my name and to ensure that monthly payments are collected and made by all co-tenants in full and ontime_____________________________________________. I promise to pay as follows for any additional utilities or services (cable, internet, security system) _______________________________________________________________________________________. Moving Out: If, for any reason, I move out of the rental premises, I realize that it is my responsibility to find a replacement tenant. I promise to take reasonable steps to find a replacement roommate who is acceptable to my present roommates. If one of my roommates moves out, I understand that it is my responsibility to take reasonable steps to find a replacement tenant. I understand that it is in the best interests of all roommates to replace any departing tenants as quickly as possible because all of the roommates still remain liable to the landlord for the full amount of the rent. Additional Agreements: Attached are additional agreements that are incorporated into this contract, including: food/shopping arrangements; cleaning responsibilities; privacy; parking; sharing personal items; noise/study times; smoking/drinking/drugs; parties and entertaining; overnight guests, pets, etc. The roommates have executed this agreement on ________________ (date). Signed by: ___________________