Published: Feb. 9, 2021

As you prepare to live off campus, you may be considering living with other people. Here are some tips to help you find the right roommates.

Use Ralphie’s List

Ralphie’s List is CU’s online rental database. CU students can log in with their IdentiKey to search for housing and roommates. You can create a profile and search for other students that may be compatible to live with. Ralphie’s list lets you search for roommates with similar interests, study habits or majors. Get started on your profile now! 

Get to know your roommates

You never really get to know someone until you live with them, but there are steps you can take to ensure your future roommate will be a good fit. As you meet fellow Buffs and narrow down potential roommates, take time to get to know them and have conversations about your lifestyles. The more you know about your future roommate, the better: are they messy or neat,  earlybirds or night owls? It’s important to think about how you will share common spaces like bathrooms and living rooms, and if differences do arise, how to discuss accommodating differences in lifestyles. Remember, you’re probably going to be signing a year-long lease and you will be committed to having these people live with you for that time.

Questions to ask potential roommates

While this list isn’t comprehensive and each person’s situation is different, there are some useful questions to ask potential roommates:

  • Whose name(s) will be on the lease (or will all parties)?
  • Whose name will be on the utility/phone/cable/internet account?
  • How many people will live in the unit?
  • How long will each individual remain a resident of the unit?
  • Who will occupy what areas of the apartment?
  • Does anyone plan to sublet? When?
  • How will disputes be resolved?

In addition to logistical questions about living together, find out if your lifestyles are compatible. Take stock of how you like to live, including anything that would be a dealbreaker for you as a roommate. Think about what kinds of leisure activities you enjoy, what guidelines you might have about guests, how you feel about the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs and if you’d be okay living with pets. It may also be helpful to think about what furniture and appliances you have and what you and your potential roommate(s) may need to acquire. Also consider things like study habits, chores and other responsibilities.

You’ll also want to discuss finances. While this can be a tough discussion, it’s necessary to know where each of you stands financially:

  • What is your budget?
  • How will bill payment be arranged for the deposit, rent, utilities and other expenses?
  • What is our monthly deadline for communicating with each other about bills?
  • How will we track our apartment payments and expenses (utilities, etc.)?
  • Who will be responsible for ensuring payment is submitted if only one person can be on the account as the payee?

Roommate resources

Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations has great resources to help you:

  • Ralphie’s List - CU’s online rental database. Ralphie’s List has a roommate feature where CU Boulder students can post a roommate profile and identify potential roommates.
  • Roommate Agreement - This document will help you avoid several common disputes in the future. Share one with potential roommates before signing a lease.
  • Budget Sheet - Make sure you set a budget for all your expenses. Remember to think about costs beyond rent like utilities, parking, etc.

Living with new people can be exciting and challenging, and Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations is here to help along the way. If you have any questions, email och@colorado.edu or visit their website.