Choosing between living alone or with roommates is one of the biggest decisions students face when moving to St. John’s for school – whether you’re attending Memorial University, CNA, or Academy Canada. Both options have unique benefits and challenges, and the choice often depends on your lifestyle, budget, and social needs.
Why Roommates Are Worth Considering
While having your own space might sound appealing – no shared schedules, no competing noise, and complete control over your environment – living entirely alone can limit your opportunities to grow and connect. Your 20s are about meeting new people, pushing past your comfort zone, and creating experiences that shape your future. How will you build those friendships or discover new perspectives if you isolated to your own apartment?
Roommates offer a built-in community. Whether it’s sharing late-night study sessions or spontaneous sweet treat runs, these moments can’t always be replicated when living alone. For students at MUN or CNA who are new to St. John’s, roommates can also help you explore the city, split expenses, and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
What to Keep in Mind with Roommates
Of course, living with roommates isn’t always perfect. The lively social environment can sometimes make it harder to focus on studying. Conflicts can also arise – especially if your roommates have different lifestyles. For example, if you’re an early riser living with someone who stays up late, or if one roommates loves having music on while another prefers quiet. Setting boundaries and finding a compromise that works for everyone – just like you would with family – can help maintain a positive living environment.
When Friendships and Roommates Do Mix
Living with your friends can be amazing – you’re already comfortable with one another, you share interests (duh, that’s why you’re friends), and it can make day-to-day life more fun. However, problems can arise because your friendship hasn’t been tested at the “next level” before. Living with someone full-time if very different from a weekend sleepover – at the end of that sleepover, you both get to go home.
Like with any roommate situation, setting boundaries and maintaining open communication is key. When done right, living with friends can not only preserve your relationship but also deepen it in ways you might not expect.
Looking for more tips?
For a deeper dive into pros and cons of living with roommates, check out these resources from DCMI Homes and The Home Blog
