Helpful Hints – Roommates

Sharing living space with another person is an excellent option for many off-campus students. Some benefits to shared living include: divided cost of living expenses, having someone to hang out with, shop with, study with, and spend your college days with. While benefits to living with roommates exist, one should consider the drawbacks of living with someone who may have different cleaning, sleeping, and study habits, as well as different views about religion and politics.

Get to Know Your Roommate:
Making an effort to get to know your roommates is crucial. Besides learning their name, hometown, major, and classification, find out your roommate’s birthday, their favorite food, and some of their favorite hobbies. Be honest and open about your expectations! Do not be afraid to note the differences between yourselves.

Roommates and Leases:
If you or your roommates move out during the lease term, management will hold those who have signed the lease responsible for any rent due. Property owners usually try to collect the full amount of rent from the roommate remaining in the apartment since that is easiest. Because of this liability, you should be careful when selecting a roommate. If your roommate moves out during the lease, there are several options available to you.

Find a New Roommate:
This is usually the responsibility of the roommate(s) moving out, but if they are negligent, you may need to take action. Adult, Graduate & Off-Campus Student Services’ offers a web database, called Aggie Search. Visit them at aggiesearch.tamu.edu to help you in the process.

Mediation Service:
A free service provided by Student Conflict Resolution Services (979) 847-7272 can assist disputing students in finding a compromise that is mutually beneficial.

Small Claims Court:
Suit may be filed against your former roommate if the case involves less than $5,000. There is a small charge to file in small claims court.