This guide breaks down what to ask a potential roommate before move-in day, from dorm habits to social vibes. Think of it as your go-to roommate questionnaire—no fluff, just what matters.
Find out about their daily habits
You’re about to live together in close quarters, so it’s smart to know what your future roomie’s daily habits look like. Ask questions like:
- What time do you usually go to bed and wake up?
- Do you like to keep the room hot, cold, or somewhere in between?
- How do you feel about sharing food or clothes?
- Do you use a white noise machine to help you sleep?
- What’s your cleaning style—daily tidy-up or once-a-week deep clean?
Getting clear on expectations around your shared space can make dorm life a lot smoother. Need help figuring out who should bring what for the room? Check out dorm registries so you're not doubling up on things like mini-fridges.
Does your social energy match?
Even if you don’t plan to be best friends, understanding someone’s lifestyle helps you avoid major clashes. Here are a few questions to get a sense of their social vibe:
- Do you like having friends over often, or do you mostly prefer quiet nights?
- Are you more of an introvert or extrovert?
- Do you smoke, drink, or party?
- How do you usually spend weekends?
- Are you in any clubs or planning to rush a sorority/fraternity?
These questions help you see if your energy levels and social lives line up—or at least if you can respect each other’s differences.
Are your study schedules are in sync?
Academics will be a big part of your college life, so it’s good to be on the same page—or at least the same study schedule. These questions can help set expectations about each other's study habits:
- What’s your major, and how heavy is your workload?
- Do you study in the room or prefer the library?
- Are you okay with some background noise, or do you need silence to focus?
- Are you a morning person or a night owl?
- What’s your class schedule like?
It’s not about having identical habits. It’s about avoiding friction when you're trying to study for finals or writing that term paper.
Understand where they're coming from
Some people click instantly, others need time. Asking about someone’s background and personality helps you understand what they bring to the room. Here are some example questions you can ask:
- Where are you from and what's life like back home?
- What’s your communication style when something’s bothering you?
- Do you like to talk things out or need space first?
- What’s something you wish people knew about you?
- What are you most excited (or nervous) about for college?
These are the kinds of roommate interview questions that open up real conversations, not just surface-level info.
Red flags to watch for
If someone gives vague answers or avoids certain topics, that’s a sign to dig deeper. Here are a few red flags to note:
- They avoid answering questions about boundaries or habits.
- They say “I’m fine with anything” without elaborating.
- They brush off concerns about noise, guests, or cleanliness.
- They seem dismissive or overly controlling.
Roommate compatibility is all about mutual respect. If that’s not there from the start, it probably won’t magically appear later.
Ready to commit—or pass?
After the convo, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself:
- Did the conversation feel easy or awkward?
- Do you feel comfortable bringing up concerns?
- Can you see yourself living with this person?
And if you’re still unsure, it’s okay to ask follow-up questions before deciding.
Things don't always work out with roommates, it happens. If you can't seem to get along, check out these tips for dealing with a bad roommate.
Not even sure if dorm life is right for you? You may have other options; this breakdown of living on campus vs. off campus might help you decide. Or find a school with the right campus vibe using Scout College Search.
Before you make the move
Picking a roommate is part planning, part instinct. Ask real questions. Pay attention to the answers. And don’t be afraid to say no if something feels off.
Once you’ve got your roommate lined up, keep that momentum going. Use Scholly Scholarships to search for free money for school that can help cover your living expenses.
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