The Do’s and Don’ts of Living with Roommates

How to Be a Great Roommate: Do’s and Don’ts for Shared Living

Sharing an apartment can be one of the most rewarding parts of city life—when it goes well. But when boundaries aren’t respected or communication breaks down, even the best housing situation can become stressful. Whether you’ve just moved into a new place or are preparing to live with others for the first time, these do’s and don’ts will help you create a respectful and enjoyable co-living environment.

Do: Communicate Early and Often

✔ Set expectations upfront about cleaning, guests, noise, and shared spaces.
✔ Use group chats or whiteboards for reminders and updates.
✔ Don’t wait until there’s a problem—talk early, and talk kindly.

A little proactive communication goes a long way in preventing tension.

Don’t: Assume Everyone Lives the Same Way You Do

✖ Not everyone cooks at 8 PM or listens to music while showering.
✖ Avoid habits that could be disruptive without asking your roommates first.

Be open to adjusting your routines slightly to create balance and mutual respect.

Do: Respect Shared Spaces

✔ Always clean up after yourself in the kitchen and bathroom.
✔ Store your items in your room when possible to avoid clutter.
✔ Take initiative—if you see something needs doing, do it.

Clean shared spaces = happier roommates.

Don’t: Leave Passive-Aggressive Notes

✖ Avoid sticky notes, sarcastic messages, or vague complaints.
✖ Direct communication is more effective and less damaging.

If something’s bothering you, talk it out calmly and respectfully.

Do: Be Financially Transparent

✔ Make rent and bill payments on time.
✔ Use apps like Splitwise or Tricount to track shared expenses.
✔ Agree in advance on shared item contributions (toilet paper, cleaning supplies).

Platforms like BeRoomie help you match with people who share similar financial habits—making it easier to live stress-free.

Don’t: Forget Privacy Matters

✖ Don’t borrow things or enter rooms without permission.
✖ Respect your roommates’ downtime and personal space.

Even in the most social flatshares, boundaries should always be acknowledged and respected.

Final Thoughts

Living with roommates is a shared experience built on mutual respect, empathy, and a bit of effort. By following these basic do’s and don’ts, you’ll not only avoid unnecessary drama—you’ll likely build friendships that last well beyond your time in the flat.

If you’re still looking for the right co-living setup, BeRoomie helps you match with people who fit your lifestyle, ensuring your roommate experience starts off on the right foot.