5 Tips on How to Pick a Roommate

When moving into an apartment or venturing off to college, one of the first problems many people are faced with is the selection of a roommate, because like it or not, whomever you choose will play a leading role in your stress and everyday enjoyment. So choose thoughtfully and carefully, because for many, past roommates have become bridesmaids and blog buddies, but for others move-ins have been a nightmare. Nudists, thieves, and sex-screaming maniacs have streaked the dorm hallways for years, so those who wish to study and/or stay sane, wise up and prepare. Don't just bet on a good one; plan ahead.

1. The easiest questions are of course age and sex. Do you want your roommate to be about the same age/ Do you have a cap on how old or young?

Do you want your roommate to be only male or female? Same sex roommates (as a must) are chosen mostly by women because of rape.

2. Your roommate should not be your best friend.

I know this sounds great in theory, you already know each other, and for many, you've gotten along for years and can talk about anything, (Guys, you can play video games, shoot hoops, and scope out women in briefs- no shame.)

Unfortunately, this often causes problems in the long run. What happens if they can't pay rent? Not if they forget/miss a payment (everyone misses the first of the month once or twice). I'm talking buy a Prada handbag or new tire rims and oops, they'll get back to you.

3. Noise also plays a large factor in the survival of apartment/dorm life. If you are a clanger/banger, must have music on, computer game buzzing, wii blaring roommate, let someone know before you enter- namely be honest on the lovely quizzes you will be forced to take, because if the person you are paired with is a yoga stretching, silence loving, book reader, I'm not sure you'll survive.

4. If you do not know or refuse to use a mop, spill it. Cleanliness also plays an enormous factor in the making of a perfect duo. Basically, a germaphobe should not be paired with a pizza dripping, mud slinging greasehead who refuses to clean the shower and smells like a wet dog. It's just not fair.

5. Partiers vs. Insiders. Yep, everyone has a general style. There's the outdoor's type, the prima donnas, the Manson wannabees, and of course the geek squad. Some people grow out of it, but billions refuse to leave the house without make up, have leather bound bracelets with spikes, and in house gyms to buff up. The question is, do you care? Does it matter if your apartment is filled with people every weekend, if a buck appears above the fireplace, or if smokers always camp out on the porch?

These things are vital in the success of your choice, and there are multiple options in the way of a roommate selection. You can choose someone from the fringes of your social circle, (basically someone you know but won't run into). It gets to be a nuisance if you and your roommate can never get away from one another.

You can place an ad in the newspaper and perform an inadvertent interview. Questions of style and behavior are easy to weave into conversation and habits -such as smoking or late night working are great to find out before someone moves in.

Word of mouth is also phenomenal, but pay close attention to who is recommending them. Would you want to live with them? If not (especially because of filthy habits) I would be leery of who they are recommending.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting!