Included in your very exciting apartment life is finding the perfect roommate. Be it the first time or the nth time around, the experience is always daunting and at the same time, overwhelming to a searcher. Finding the perfect roommate involves feeling hopeful everytime you’re going to meet someone. It is easy to hope that this particular person is going to be “the one” but with all the horror stories that have been circulating, it’s enough to get us guarded when accepting an applicant in our home and into our lives.

First and foremost, it is important for you to feel comfortable with a person so that you’ll be able to live with him or her for a long time. In a situation like this, always trust your instincts or gut-feel. If somewhere along the interview you felt threatened, then it’s time to decline and move on to the next applicant and never rush into things. Sometimes, pressuring yourself to find a suitable roommate will only result to unreliable decisions which you might regret later on. Below are some tips you might want to keep in mind when meeting a potential roommate:
·    Meet in a public place that is convenient for you both.
·    Ask for IDs and referrals. Check them closely.
·    Bring a friend, if possible. If not, notify them of your whereabouts.
·    Don’t promise an applicant anything. Make it clear that the meeting is for the interview only and you’ll make your decision at a later time.
·    Take down notes to remember each applicant and how you felt during the interview.