11 Benefits of Living with Roommates

Whether you’re moving out of your parent’s house for the first time or simply looking for your next home, deciding to live with roommates can be a big decision.  If you aren’t sure if a co-living setup is right for you, take a look at some of the benefits of living with roommates.

1. You Save Money

Did you know that living with roommates can save you a ton of money? Not only are you splitting the rent and utilities with your roomies, but many people that live together end up splitting the cost of larger purchases like a couch or TV, too.

Additionally, living alone is expensive, so even if you can afford it, opting to live with others can be a smarter financial decision in the long run. It’s a great way to start saving up for some of your other goals.

2. Company When You Want It…

Having roommates is a lot like living with a group of friends. Whether you consider yourself a social butterfly or more of a loner, you can’t deny that everyone gets lonely sometimes. With roommates, you have a built-in group of pals to watch movies, try out new recipes, explore your city, or just talk about your day with.

3. …and Space When You Don’t

Once you’ve had your fill of socializing, you can disappear into your room to recharge your social batteries. The nice thing about sharing common spaces but having your own bedroom is that it allows you to maintain your privacy and boundaries without completely isolating yourself from others.

4. Splitting Up Housework

Another huge benefit to having roommates is that you don’t have to do all of the housework by yourself. Whether you and your roomies decide to have a rotational chore wheel or divvy up the tasks another way, it can be a huge relief to be able to share the responsibility of keeping your home clean. You may even find that you actually enjoy cleaning when you do it together!

5. It’s More Convenient

Having roommates can also make life a lot more convenient. With good communication, your roommates can become people you rely on to care for your pets or plants when you’re away, pick you up from the airport, or just help out with other tasks that are difficult to do on your own.

6. You’re Less Likely to Get Locked Out

If you’ve ever lost a house or apartment key, you know that trying to get back into your home can be a real headache. One big advantage of having roommates is that you always have someone to call to let you in— no expensive locksmith needed!

7. New Friends Galore

Chances are, if you get along with your roommate, you’ll get along with their friends. This is especially great if you’re new to a city and are feeling pretty lonely. Never underestimate how much a group of new friends can cheer you up.

8. It’s Safer

One of the main things that burglars look for when targeting a home is a lack of activity. If you live with roommates, someone is more likely to be at home at any given time, which can keep you (and your belongings) safer.

9. You’ll Try New Things

Roommates are a great way to get exposure to things you’ve never even thought to try. Whether your roomie has a cool hobby or a favorite type of cuisine, living with them will give you a chance to learn something new and broaden your horizons.

10. They’ll Hold You Accountable

Everyone has habits they wish they could break, and you just may find that having a roomie around can make this process easier. When you live with someone else it’s a lot more difficult to put off cleaning up or hitting the gym. Who knows, living with a roommate might just make you the best version of “you!”

11. You’ll Improve Your Communication Skills

All relationships take work, and the relationship with your roommates is no different. Living with other people can teach you a lot about how to communicate your needs and boundaries, as well as how to be a good roommate yourself. These skills are invaluable, especially since you’re likely to live with other people at many points during your life.