The roommate you choose will have a big influence on your life. So finding the right one deserves at least as much attention as searching for the residence you’ll share.

Here are primary questions to answer: How many roommates do you want/need? Is it important to you to live with people you already know?

Think about these questions before you proceed to others about lifestyle and preferences.

So, how many people would you like to live with? More people means cheaper shared rent. The cost a studio apartment for yourself will be usually be much more than splitting the rent on a 3 or 4 bedroom apartment or home. You’ll also save on utilities, food, furniture, appliances and so forth.

Naturally, living with roommates implies considerations such as privacy. Would you prefer to go out in order to be with others, or have them at your place? Do you need time to yourself when you are at home?

It can be a set of tradeoffs: You’d like an apartment to yourself, but it’s too expensive to live alone. Are you willing to compromise?

The next thing is to figure whether you’re okay living with strangers, or prefer people you know. Of course you may not have a choice; if you’re relocating and don't know anyone in your new area, or if you need to find roommates quickly then you’ll need to search.

Next steps:
1. Search for a potential roommate via craigslist, newspapers, and asking people you know.
2. When you find a prospective person, meet them at a neutral public location like a coffeehouse.
Start comparing their living preferences and daily habits to yours. Here are some questions to ask:

-- Do they rise early or late? Sound sleepers?
-- What’s their work/school schedule?
-- Are they finicky about neatness? Clarify this since it can mean different things to different people
-- Do they prefer to keep their living space warm or cooler?
-- How do they prefer to divide the household chores?
-- Are they sensitive to chemicals or odors? This could affect the cleaning products you use.
-- What allergies do they have, if any?
-- Do they smoke, drink, or use drugs?
-- Do they like to talk or prefer to be quiet?
-- What kind of music do they like? How loud?
-- What about TV, and sharing it?
-- Do they plan to share some items like cooking utensils or would they prefer keeping things separate?
-- How often do they have their friends and girlfriend or boyfriend over?

3. Ask what the potential roommate wants from you as a roommate. Are you compatible? Some folks want a roommate merely as a way to cut costs, with minimal interaction. Others want someone they can be friends with. Ensure that your expectations align. Be candid about your characteristics when you answer questions about yourself.

4. Attune your personal radar for signs that a prospective roommate is honest and trustworthy. If you feel uneasy, just say cordially that you don't think the two of you would be compatible.