First Apartment? Here’s How to Find a Roommate That Won’t Ruin It

Moving into your first apartment is exciting, but unless you're rolling in cash, you’re probably going to need a roommate. The real question is: Who should it be? Your best friend? A stranger from the internet? Someone recommended by a mutual friend? Choosing wisely can make or break your living experience. Here’s how to find (and survive) your first roommate.

Step 1: Know What You Want

• Before you start scrolling through roommate listings, sit down and figure out your non-negotiables. Ask yourself:

• What’s my budget?

• Do I care about my roommate’s gender identity?

• Which neighborhoods work best for me?

• Am I okay with pets, late-night parties, or dishes in the sink?

Beyond that, consider personality and lifestyle clashes. Are you a morning person who loves quiet coffee time? Then maybe avoid the night owl who blasts music at 2 AM.

Step 2: Where to Find Roommates

You have options! Some people move in with friends, but if your bestie is a tornado of chaos, you might want to rethink that. If you’re searching beyond your circle, here’s where to look:

• Roommate Websites: Roomz.asia and iBilik are great sites for finding rooms and roommates. EasyRoommate also offers listings in Malaysia.

• Facebook Groups: Search for local groups like “Room for Rent in KL” or “Roommates in Malaysia” to connect with others looking for a place to stay.

• Rental Platforms: Websites like Mudah.my and PropertyGuru Malaysia feature room rental listings, which include opportunities to find roommates.

• University Bulletin Boards: If you're a student, check your campus bulletin boards (online or physical) for roommate postings.

• WhatsApp Groups: Many universities and local communities have WhatsApp groups where people share rental opportunities and roommate searches.

• Real Estate Agents: Some agents specialize in finding shared accommodations, so they can help with your search.

Step 3: The Interview (Yes, Really!)

Once you’ve found a potential roommate, don’t just move in blindly—interview them! Meet in person or set up a video call. Ask things like:

• What’s your daily routine like?

• How do you feel about guests?

• How do you usually split chores?

• Have you ever had roommate conflicts? How did you handle them?

Red flags include vague answers, reluctance to meet in person, or horror stories about every past roommate.

Step 4: Moving in with Friends? Set Ground Rules!

Living with a friend sounds great—until they start “forgetting” to pay their share of the bills. The key to making it work? Treat it like any other roommate situation:

• Split responsibilities fairly – No one wants to be the only person taking out the trash.

• Set quiet hours – Because “just one more episode” at 3 AM isn’t fun for everyone.

• Talk about money upfront – Who pays for what? How do you split groceries? Write it down!

Step 5: Handle Conflict Like an Adult

Disagreements are inevitable. Maybe your roommate “forgets” to do the dishes or has a partner who basically lives in the apartment rent-free. The best way to deal?

• Address issues early – Don’t let small annoyances turn into full-blown rage.

• Set up weekly/monthly check-ins – Talk about any concerns before they become major fights.

• Know when to walk away – If your roommate refuses to respect boundaries, it might be time to move out.

Finding the right roommate takes effort, but a little planning can make all the difference. Whether you’re teaming up with a friend or rolling the dice on a stranger, clear communication and mutual respect are key. After all, your first apartment should be an adventure—not a nightmare!

Source: Teen Vogue