Last Updated on 11/12/2024 by Rany Burstein
Crafting your roommate bio is about striking a balance between sharing fun facts and practical details. Things your potential roommate will benefit from knowing.
Sure, your favorite movie is a fun tidbit, let’s remember, this isn’t Tinder. At a roommate finding site, people are looking for compatible roommates; people whom they can imagine sharing a space with. And your favorite movie hardly makes or breaks the deal. Unless, of course, your favorite movie is “Cats” – in that case, we might need to have a serious talk.
Now, whether you mention these upfront on your bio or casually drop them into the conversation, knowing what potential roommates are looking for can make all the difference in sealing the roommate deal. So, according to popular opinion, these are the things your roommates actually want to know about you:
1. Relationship Status
This one’s a biggie. Let your potential roommate know if you’re flying solo or if your significant other might become a familiar face around the place. Some folks prefer roommates in the same relationship boat for that shared understanding. It’s like having a built-in support system for navigating the highs and lows of dating life.
Many worry that if your roommate is in a long-term relationship, it could potentially mean a third roommate moving in. So better nip that in the bud.
“Ask about guests and relationships. Some people have bro’s crashing on the couch all the time, at all hours. Some people move their girlfriends in gradually. Saturday night becomes Wednesday through Saturday.”
2. Hosting Guests
How often you play host matters. If you’re big on shindigs, shout it out. Conversely, if you’re more of a solo Netflix binger, own that too. One savvy Redditor mentioned a “no friends of friends” rule, which, honestly, sounds pretty solid. Safety first, right?
Plus, people also want to know whether someone frequently hosts overseas guests. If you have friends or family overseas that come over to stay for short or long periods, it’s a good idea to be honest about that from the get-go. Let your future roomie know if they should expect the occasional visitor from afar crashing on the couch.
3. Sleeping Habits
If you are a heavy snorer, it can be a nice gesture to let your potential roommate know. Whether in the interview or in your bio, make sure to slip in this piece of information. We asked Redditors what they wished they knew about their roommates before moving in and most of them said: sleeping schedules.
“I think it’s crucial to know about a roommate’s sleep habits/ how long they like to stay up. This may not be an issue for others but it would be important especially if you’re in a lot of classes or work a lot.”
Even lots of college roommate surveys include sleeping habits. So, whether you are sharing a room or an apartment, it’s better to know what to expect from your roommate.
4. Pets
Fur babies can make a house feel like a home, but they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re allergic to Fluffy or already have a four-legged friend of your own, it’s best to lay it all out on the table. While some roommate-hunting platforms like Diggz have a dedicated section for lifestyle deets, not all sites are that thorough. So, hit up your bio with the lowdown on your pet situation.
5. Room Temperature
Now, this one is a niche for sure. And if you don’t want to include it in the bio – cool. But when conducting a roommate interview, let each other know what room temperature you prefer. There are plenty of conflicts just waiting to happen because your roommate keeps ‘fixing’ the thermometer.
“Nothing worse than sweltering in 90-degree heat and paying a fortune to do so.”
6. Smoking and Drinking
If you’re a regular smoker or enjoy kicking back with a drink after a long day, it’s worth mentioning in your bio. This way, potential roomies who share your habits can easily find their way to your shortlist.
On the flip side, if you’re not keen on living in a smoke-filled environment or prefer a low-key approach to alcohol, feel free to put it out there. By laying down your preferences upfront, you’re streamlining the screening process and ensuring that you and your future roommate are on the same page from day one. So, let’s raise a glass (or not) to open communication!
7. Cleanliness
This one may seem a no-brainer. Everybody (well, mostly everybody) likes a clean space. But your idea of clean may be different than others.
So, to ensure your bio answers all your potential roomie’s questions you may mention something like,
“I’m generally tidy, I give my bedroom and shared spaces a good clean once a week. But don’t mind the usual clutter.”
Moreover, if you don’t want to badger your roommates to clean now and then, try discussing the cleaning routine from the initial phase. Having a cleaning schedule, a chore calendar, or even bringing in a professional cleaner can work wonders.
8. Drugs
If you’re into the occasional 420, it’s worth mentioning during those initial conversations. After all, it could be a deal-breaker for some potential roomies. On the flip side, if you prefer to steer clear of drugs, don’t hesitate to bring up questions about substance use during the roommate interview.
It’s all about ensuring everyone feels comfortable and safe in their living environment, so don’t be shy about discussing these important topics upfront.
9. Plans on Subletting
Transparency is key when it comes to shared living spaces. If you sublet your room for the holidays or some weekend getaways, it’s essential to loop your roommates in on the plan. After all, any decision that impacts the living dynamic should be a team effort.
So, if you’ve got grand vacation plans in the pipeline and you’re considering subletting your space while you’re away, don’t keep it under wraps. Give your potential roomies the heads-up from the get-go.
10. Work Schedule
It’s helpful to share a glimpse of your work hours in your bio. You don’t need to go into detail about every off day or specific shift, but mentioning whether you predominantly work from home or the office sets expectations.
For instance, roommates who work from home may hog the common areas, leading to more unequal rent distribution. It will help a potential roommate make a more informed decision about living with you.
11. Cooking
How often you cook is a big one. If you’re a late-night baker or a regular cook, spill the beans! Why? Well, for starters, frequent chefs might need more kitchen space and could be making a bit of a mess (sorry in advance!).
But hey, the upside? You might just get to taste-test some delicious homemade treats! It’s a win-win situation – more food and maybe even a new kitchen buddy.
Bottom Line
When it comes to finding the right roommate, completeness is key. Ensure your bio covers all the essentials that could impact your living situation, such as drinking habits, pet ownership, or relationship status. These details pave the way for a more compatible match.
Luckily, with Diggz, it’s easy to fill out your profile with all these essentials and find roomies who vibe with your lifestyle. Our lifestyle survey even throws in pre-answered questions from potential matches regarding their habits, making finding your match a breeze.
Additionally, conducting a thorough roommate interview is essential. This is your opportunity to delve into other topics like financial habits, rent payment plans, and sleep schedules in detail. So, whether you’re using Diggz or another platform, a comprehensive bio sets the stage for a successful roommate search.