Finding a Roommate
There are many places to look for potential roommates and housemates. First, look in your circle of friends or outside your immediate social circle to find a roommate.
The University is partnered with Places4Students, a rental and roommate listing website. Students can search for apartments, and create free sublet or roommate wanted listings. Places4Students is affiliated with over 160 colleges and universities in North America and Monmouth students will be able to access multiple listings locally and nationally.
Things to discuss with your potential roommate(s)
- Study habits and the expected study environment.
Friends/family visiting and staying overnight.
- Cleaning the common spaces (e.g., bathroom, kitchen), including sweeping, dusting, etc.
Will you share food and shopping responsibilities?
- What are the expectations in a roommate relationship?
- Are you looking for a friend, someone to do things with, or just someone to share your space and expenses?
- How similar or different are your roommate’s expectations?
- Is your roommate financially secure? Ask to see a credit report if you are not sure.
- Is it possible to sign separate leases? This way, each roommate is responsible for his or her share of the rent.
Staying “Perfect Roommates”
- Communication is key! If problems arise, talk about them. Sometimes it takes a while to talk calmly, but make sure the situation is resolved in a timely manner.
- Respect each other’s space and property.
- Set up a schedule for taking out the trash, doing the dishes, cleaning, etc.
Get a furnished apartment to avoid furniture confusion.
What to do when you can’t resolve issues that arise…
- You have signed a lease and that is a binding contract – you can’t just move out.
- Try mediation first. Contact the Office of Residential Life at 732-571-3465 for help mediating roommate issues.
- Talk with your apartment management or landlord to see if a transfer is possible.
Tough it out – sometimes this is the only option. If so, act maturely.
- Finding someone to sublease your apartment is an option, but make sure that your lease allows you to sublet.