If you’re looking to move out but aren’t ready to live on your own, finding roommates can turn into an incredibly daunting task. Where can I find someone who would want to live with me? 🤷♂️ Or, more importantly, who would I want to live with? How can I be sure we have similar living styles and needs? How do I find someone who’s looking for the same kind of living situation as I am?
The fact of the matter is, there’s really no need to stress over this! There are so many great resources online to help you find the perfect roomie, and so many opportunities to meet new people when you’re at university. Here are 10 places you could meet your future roommate(s)…
1. Social media
Social media is an amazing way to connect with people with similar interests. You can use it in endless ways to find a potential roomie:
- See someone that looks cool and lives in your city? Maybe send them a follow request and slide in their DM’s
- Make a wanted ad on TikTok – chances are other users who have a ton in common with you will come across your video on their FYP (thanks TikTok algorithm), so why not give it a shot!
2. Student housing & roommate finding groups
There are loads of housing groups on Facebook and run through universities that are meant to facilitate your search for roommates and apartments. Just type in [Your city] Housing in the Facebook group search bar and you’re bound to find a group. Here are just a few of the Facebook housing groups out there for both Montreal and Hali students…
Montreal housing groups:
- Chez Queer Montreal
- McGill Off-Campus Housing
- Appartement à Louer Montreal – Apartment For Rent Montreal
Halifax housing groups:
- Homes for Queers Halifax
- For Rent in HRM
- Newcomers Halifax
Pro tip: always make sure to join your uni graduating class Facebook group to connect with other students in your year.
3. In class
See someone who matches your vibe and seems approachable? Strike up a conversation and see what happens. The possibilities are endless; they might end up being a study buddy, a friend you can hang with during breaks, or even a potential roommate!
4. Part-time jobs
There’s nothing that brings two people together more than a crazy shift at work. Tons of part-time jobs are available on campus or across the city that could connect you to some great future roommates.
5. Residence
Residence is the ideal place to meet future roommates. Typically everyone moves in solo and is eager to meet new friends. Once lease signing time comes around, they’ll be the first people you reach out to since you’ve basically lived together already!
6. School clubs and societies
School clubs are a great way to meet new people with the same interests and hobbies as you. Harry Potter Fan? Join the Quidditch team! Passionate about charity work? Join a society that volunteers on weekends! Living with people who you share interests with is a great way to make sure your apartment is a fun space as well as a safe one.
7. University athletics and intramurals
Early morning practices and games are so much more bearable when your roommate is getting up at the same time as you. Whether it’s varsity athletics or casual volleyball intramurals, someone that’s passionate about the same sport as you will probably make a great roommate.
8. Working out
Friends who sweat together stay together, right? Once those endorphins start flowing, strike up a conversation with someone in your workout class or at the gym. Having a roommate who has the same workout routine as you or who is just as passionate about going to the gym as you are is a surefire way to keep yourself consistent and accountable.
9. General interest Facebook groups
Love plants? Pets? Geology? Ghost hunting? Whatever it is, there is likely a local facebook group for it. Join the conversations and you may meet some awesome people!
10. Bars, clubs, and events
Alcohol really gets the conversation going, so if you’re in need of new friends who could be your future roommates, heading out to a favourite pub or club could be a great place to start! Plus if it’s your favourite bar, maybe it’s theirs too and you can claim that corner booth for the rest of the school year.
No matter where you choose to go to find your future roommates, make sure to look for someone whose lifestyle is compatible with yours and who has similar living expectations as you do.
Above all, it’s crucial that you live with someone with whom you feel comfortable having potentially difficult or uncomfortable conversations, since conflict will inevitably arise when living with another person. Living with roommates who will listen to you, support you, and establish mutual respect is something we can all achieve and something that you should really strive for.
Now that you know *where* to search, check out our article “5 Things to Look for in a Great Roommate” for some tips that’ll help you select the perfect roomie!
