If you are currently on the hunt for a roommate, we’ve gathered together a few tips and tricks that can help streamline the process. While it can take a bit of time to find just the right person, as long as you get organized up front and proceed thoughtfully throughout your search, you can quickly narrow down prospective candidates and find the right fit. Read on for some of our top tips on how to find your next roommate.

Ask Your Network

You never know who in your immediate social circle may already know someone who also happens to be searching for a roommate, so we recommend that you start by asking those closest to you. One of your friends, family members, fellow students, or co-workers may already know someone in a similar situation, and this could drastically shorten your search time. Even if your friends and family don’t have a lead right away, they can also reach out to their own extended networks to further expand your search. One of the benefits of this approach is that those closest to you know you quite well and will want to ensure that you and any potential roommate are well-matched. 

Harness The Power Of Social Media

Spread the word about your search on whichever social media networks you use most often. Be sure to list what you’re looking for and what’s most important to you in a roommate and craft a message that is clear before you share it with the wider world. Communicate your preferences around lifestyle up front (for example, no smoking, must be a dog-lover, etc.) to avoid any obvious mismatches. If you post on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and ask your friends to share it, you’ll further increase the odds of finding someone great.

Try A Roommate-Finding Website

There are several websites devoted to helping potential roommates link up, but of course you must do your due diligence before connecting with anyone in person (more on that next). In Toronto, you can try Craigslist, Roomies.ca, Toronto Roommates, Places 4 Students, and Sparrow as potential sources. Another smart option is to try your alumni network; you may feel more comfortable living with someone who attended the same school and there could be a greater chance that you share things in common. 

Remember To Do Your Due Diligence

No matter which approach you try, always keep safety and security top of mind. To make things easier, you can create a standard questionnaire that you use with each potential roommate: include detailed questions about habits, interests, lifestyle, occupation, budget, costs, values, and references. This can serve as an effective screening tool to help you decide whether someone is worth meeting with in person. When you meet, do so in a public place and feel free to take a third party with you. You’ll also want to make sure that you get everything in writing.

We hope these tips help when trying to find your next roommate in the city. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow the KG Group blog for more advice on shared living accommodations.