If you’re on the hunt for a roommate, know that you’re not alone! Whether you recently graduated college or you’re simply in need of finding someone to share a space with, you might not know where to turn. This is where finding a roommate online comes into play. Countless web-based tools can help connect you with other like-minded individuals to make for an enjoyable living situation. Once you’ve found your perfect match, make sure to lock in apartment moving services through Alliance Moving & Storage to make the move-in process a breeze.
Here are the online platforms that we recommend.
#1. Craigslist
A good starting point on where to find roommates is Craigslist. Even though it may seem outdated, this is still one of the easiest ways to find those in need of a roommate in your area. On this platform, you can either post your listing that you’re looking for a roommate or browse through posts that already exist. Make sure that there are high-quality photos of either yourself or of the poster as well as thorough information on their background. Keep in mind that there could be scammers, so you’ll want to ensure the person is legitimate before moving forward.
#2. PadMapper
Many people have luck finding a housemate on PadMapper. This site is free to use and it has a map-based interface that makes it seamless to find those in your area. If you have a specific block that you want to live on, you can even search for it on this website. The app is available to download on any smartphone or tablet. Feel free to use PadMapper if you need to fill a particular room in your home or if you’re looking to join a rooming situation that’s already established.
#3. Roomi
Other websites to find roommates such as Roomi might not be as well-known, but they’re still a great option on how to find a roommate safely. This platform is serious about screening all listings before they’re posted, helping to reduce the chances that you’re falling victim to an online scam. It has an interface that’s easy to navigate and creating an account is free. All you need to do is create a listing yourself or search through the existing listings on the site. One downside is that to message someone, you’ll need to be a paid member; it costs $24.99 for 30 days of use.
#4. Reddit
You might not associate Reddit with other roommate-matching websites, but many people have success using this platform to connect with others in the same position as them. This platform has countless subreddit threads that can help you connect with others in the area who might need a roommate. If you aren’t seeing any posts for roommates in your area, you can simply create one and see who comments. Make sure to post some basic information and qualifications to ensure that you attract the right type of roommate for you.
#5. Diggz
Your search for how to find a roommate for an apartment could start with Diggz. Although this site is only serving 23 cities at the moment, if you happen to be in one of them, it’s a simple way to find high-quality matches. Diggz covers the basics with standard roommate preference points but it also focuses on specifics such as sleeping habits, partying, or other factors that could help you weed out those who might not be a good fit for you. Once it has more information from you, it will help you by showing 10 potential roommate matches that you can consider. Best of all, this is a free platform that includes five instant messages.
#6. Alumni Networks
Recent college grads (or even those who have graduated in the past few years) can leverage alumni networks to find a roommate online. Many colleges, especially larger colleges, have listservs for alumni who reside in major cities. A quick Google can likely connect you with this group and you’ll be able to keep a close eye on it to see if there is anyone who could be a good match for you. If you don’t see any posts, you can create one yourself to see who could be a strong match. Keep in mind that some alumni networks are also established on platforms like Facebook.
#7. Facebook
Speaking of Facebook, this is another way how to find a roommate safely in your area. This is an especially ideal platform if you aren’t afraid to make your search for a roommate public. You can create a post that all of your friends will be able to see and share with their network. You’d be surprised to learn how many people have friends or relatives who are in a similar position as you. If you don’t want the post to be public, you can adjust the privacy settings so only those in your network can see it.
Additional Tips to Find a Roommate Online
Finding a housemate can be difficult but it isn’t impossible! Here are some other tips to consider during this process.
Ask Your Friends Before Looking Online
Before taking your search online, make sure to leverage your social circle by communicating with friends and family. Word of mouth can be a powerful asset in finding a roommate, and even if you don’t find a roommate right away, your network can continue to keep an ear out for those who are in search of a roommate. Don’t forget to say something to your colleagues as they may also have people who need a roommate. Many employers have digital bulletin boards that can spread the word quickly on your behalf.
Identify What Kind of Roommate You Need
Your search for a roommate will be easier if you’ve already identified the type of person that you’re looking for. Some people might want a roommate that doubles as a friend while others might be on the hunt to find someone to make their cost of living lower. Another consideration is the types of habits you want this person to have; do you want someone who is tidy or are you okay with a little mess? What time do they go to bed and what time do they wake up? These are the types of questions that can help narrow down your search.
Take Your Time to Get to Know Each Other
If you think you’ve found a potential match, you’ll want to think twice before immediately signing a lease. Make sure to take some time to get to know this person and understand who they are offline. Even if it might seem like a good match on paper, you have no way of knowing who they are without spending time with them. Make sure to choose a neutral location when meeting up to see how they interact in public. Even though you might not be immediate best friends, it’s important that you feel comfortable around them.
Decide on Terms Beforehand
Once you’re done looking for someone to share an apartment with, you’ll want to establish the terms before signing a lease. For example, who will be in charge of furnishing the apartment, or will you split the costs? Who is in charge of setting up utilities and who is getting which room in the apartment? Don’t forget to set up renters insurance ahead of time to make sure you have a policy that covers the basics. All of these logistical details should be ironed out beforehand.
Conclusion
There are countless avenues to finding a roommate online in a safe manner. Even if the process takes a bit of time, it will be well worth it in the big picture. As soon as you’ve located a roommate and secured a lease, don’t forget to look into an apartment moving company that can help with the heavy lifting. Our team at Alliance Moving & Storage is affordable, friendly, and passionate about helping you execute a successful move. Once you’re ready to move into your new space, make sure to take advantage of our free quotes!
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