Roommate Resources
One of the most important parts of your off-campus living experience is your roommate experience. There are so many things to consider when you are living in an apartment, so you want to make sure the person you are living with is aware of the legal, financial, and personal implications of a shared living experience.
Use the resources below to get started with finding a roommate and establishing a positive relationship.
How to find a roommate:
- Register on the Emerson College Off-Campus Housing website using your ECnet login*
- Create your profile
- After your profile is created, you will be able to view other students information and connect with potential roommates!
* If you do not yet have an ECnet login, register here to browse rental listings (account expires after 30 days). Once you have received your ECnet login, you will be able to create a roommate profile.
Roommate Expectations
It’s a good idea to take the initiative and get acquainted with your potential roommate. Establish a comfort level that works for the both of you so you can be assertive about your individual needs, as well as respecting theirs. Engaging in healthy dialogues early on helps set the stage for honest and open communication. When you are able to appreciate and understand each other’s needs, you will be ready to discuss expectations as roommates. Creating expectations and guidelines for living involves actively talking and listening to one another. Establishing a solid foundation in your roommate relationship from the beginning will help you to minimize or eliminate conflicts in your living environment.
If you’ve never lived in an apartment or with a roommate before, it’s likely there are millions of questions going through your head. There are obvious things to think about concerning budget, location and the apartment search process, but what about the actual living experience itself? Who will be in charge of the utilities? Who will buy the groceries? The following checklist contains discussion points and questions that may come in handy as you establish rules and guidelines for your living situation.
- How will the rent be paid? Does the landlord prefer one check, or do all roommates pay separately?
- What is your definition of loud and soft noise? Should quiet time be established?
- Are pets allowed? If so, who is responsible for this pet? Is anyone allergic?
- Is smoking permitted?
- What are your reactions to alcohol consumption? Are any roommates underage?
- Who is responsible for collecting/paying bills? In whose name will they be listed?
- How and who will buy groceries? May roommates borrow food from one another?
- Will sharing or borrowing of personal items be allowed?
- What are your thoughts on overnight guests? How often may they stay and for how long?
Mediation and Conflict Resolution Resources
Emerson OCSS
120 Boylston St., 4th Fl.
Boston MA 02116
(617) 824-7863
ocss@emerson.edu
Boston Rental Housing Resource Center
The Boston Rental Housing Center was created in 1995 to provide free advice, information and assistance to Boston landlords and tenants who have problems or questions about rental housing issues.
1 City Hall Square #709
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-4200
boston.gov
Additional Resources
For more helpful information on finding and living with roommates, click here.