| Whether you have known your prospective | | | | When, Where, and How often. |
| roommate since kindergarten, or whether you just met, | | | | Kitchen Arrangements |
| it is important to set aside some time for an in-depth | | | | Will you share food costs? What are your nutritional |
| conversation to discuss your expectations. You should | | | | needs? Who will do the dishes? How often? Does |
| meet in person, perhaps over a cup of coffee. | | | | three-month-old spaghetti in the refrigerator make you |
| Campus is a great neutral ground. A telephone call just | | | | crazy? |
| won't do for something as important as this. | | | | Housekeeping |
| Don't skip any of the following points! Thoroughly | | | | Habits How neat and tidy are you really? |
| explore how each of you feels about the other's | | | | Sleeping Needs |
| comments. If you are not clear about something, ask! | | | | What hours? How much? Windows open? |
| Better now than after you sign a lease. Be tactful-say, | | | | Privacy |
| "I have never shared a bedroom and doing so now | | | | How much do you want or need? Private bath? |
| could be a hassle," instead of, "You couldn't pay me to | | | | Private bedroom? Private study space? |
| share a room with someone." But, above all, be honest! | | | | Social Habits |
| If either of you paints too rosy a picture, you are in for | | | | Are you dating? Do you like to party? When is |
| some nasty surprises later on. If you live with someone | | | | entertaining friends OK and not OK? |
| long enough, your true feelings will eventually come out. | | | | Spare Time |
| You may want to jot down a list of points to consider, | | | | How do you like to spend it? Watch TV? Listen to |
| such as: | | | | jazz? Raise white mice for experiments? Read? |
| Who Are You? | | | | How Do You Express Your Emotions? |
| Discuss your background, your family, home, previous | | | | Are you moody? What are you like when you are |
| school, activities before you came to CSUSM, your | | | | down and out? What are you like when things are |
| weakness for Haagen Daz Rum Raisin ice cream, | | | | good? Are you shy or extroverted? Are you a good |
| everything that makes you-you. | | | | listener? When you are angry do you fight, sulk, or talk |
| What Are Your Needs? | | | | it out? What are your pet peeves? |
| Frankly discuss any and all of the following sticky | | | | Where Do You Want To Live? |
| subjects. | | | | Are you looking for a house or an apartment? Do you |
| Likes And Dislikes | | | | have your heart set on living in a particular area? Is an |
| Regarding smoking, drugs, drinking, pets, music, etc. | | | | access-controlled building a top priority? |
| Overnight Guests | | | | What Is Your Budget? |
| Boyfriend, girlfriend, family, friends. (This is a biggie! Be | | | | How much can you afford to pay for rent and utilities? |
| honest about your feelings, many a roommate | | | | What kind of "luxuries" (if any) do you require? Cable |
| relationship has run into big trouble over this one.) | | | | TV? Telephone? Air Conditioner? |
| Study Habits | | | | |