Quiz: What Kind of Roommate Am I?

What kind of roommate are you? On the surface, this might seem like an easy question to answer. In reality, though, this question requires some careful thought, especially if you are looking for a new roommate.

In general, successful roommate experiences occur between compatible people. The purpose of the quiz below is to give you a solid understanding about the lifestyle you lead and what you expect out of a roommate. With that knowledge in hand when you start interviewing potential candidates, you have a much greater chance of finding a compatible roommate.

In addition to answering the below questions for yourself, please feel free to ask potential candidates the questions below or have them complete the quiz – it will help you to get to know the candidate better!

Daily Life Questions

I’m looking for a roommate who will…

a) Want to hang out together all the time

b) Spend time together once in a while

c) Split the rent and bills only

My working hours are…

a) Professional – 9am to 5pm

b) Flexible – I work an hour here and an hour there

c) At night

d) I work from home

During the weekends…

a) I’m out and about all weekend long

b) I split my time between being out and at home

c) I spend time at home with friends

d) I spend time at home by myself

I would describe myself as…

a) Very social – I am always around people

b) Social, but I need “alone time” once in a while

c) A loner – I prefer my own company

Most of the meals I eat consist of...

a) Fast food

b) Meat

c) The major food groups

d) Veggies all the way

My philosophy on my roommate borrowing stuff is…

a) What’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine

b) Yeah, you can borrow it, just ask first

c) Sorry, but I don’t lend things out

I usually go to bed…

a) Late night - I’m up at all hours of the night

b) When I am tired - sometimes early and sometimes late

c) Early - before the 10pm news

I prefer to live with a person who…

a) Has the same schedule as I do

b) Might not have the same schedule but will not disturb me while I sleep

c) Their schedule does not matter whatsoever

I listen to my music…

a) Really loud

b) At a reasonable volume

c) I only use my earphones

I watch TV…

a) Every night after work, all night until bedtime

b) Occasionally – I have several programs that I enjoy

c) Rarely/ Never

My thoughts on hosting house parties are…

a) Party on!

b) I will let you know if it becomes a problem

c) Occasional dinner parties and casual parties are great

d) No parties unless we both decide to have one

I believe that overnight guests are…

a) Not a problem at all

b) Ok, as long as it is not every night – I don’t want another roommate

c) Ok, but let me know about it ahead of time

d) I’d be more comfortable discussing it first

e) Not allowed at all

My Family…

a) Likes to drop in unexpectedly to check up on me

b) Calls first and comes by a couple times a month

c) Only come into town once or twice a year

d) Doesn’t even know my address

My feelings on a roommate having a pet…

a) Great! I have a pet!

b) Ok, so long as they are not out of control and don’t leave a mess

c) Not for me

Obligations and Chores

The best way to describe my cleanliness is…

a) Things must be clean all the time

b) I’m fairly neat and clean at least once a week

c) I clean only as a last resort

I pay the bills…

a) As soon as I get them in the mail

b) By the due date

c) When I get around to it

I do my dishes…

a) Right after I finish using them

b) Within a day or two

c) When they smell and start growing things

Substances

I drink alcohol…

a) Daily or almost daily

b) Socially and moderately

c) A drink here or there with dinner

d) Almost never or never

I smoke cigarettes…

a) Regularly

b) Regularly, but only outdoors

c) Socially and moderately

d) Not at all

My feelings about smoking in the house…

a) Feel free

b) Once in a while is ok

c) Please take it outside

The above questionnaire should give you a good idea about what you would be like to live with. If you are a person who enjoys spending a lot of time at home alone, you might not want to live with a very social person who has friends over constantly. The decision on who you decide to live with is, of course, entirely up to you. However, knowing what kind of roommate you are is very useful because it should give you a good idea of what you are looking for in a roommate.