Do You NEED Roommates?

March 23, 2017 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

With graduation and moving season around the corner, there are tons of people in the market for their very first apartment. One of the most fun parts of living alone is the independence you gain. From managing your monthly bills and making meals to locking up for vacation, living alone will teach you a lot about…

The Very Best Way to Find Roommates

February 15, 2017 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

Moving into your first place? A great way to cut costs, make friends, and have fun in your apartment is finding a roommate to live with! Not only are roommates generally nice company to be around, but all of your standard monthly bills could cut in HALF! Think rent, utilities, cable, internet…the list goes on!…

5 Ways to Treat Your SO Roommate for Valentine’s Day Without Breaking the Bank

February 12, 2017 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of how you can celebrate your significant other on that day! If you don’t live with your significant other, or don’t have one for the holiday, consider throwing a “Gal – / Dude – Valentine’s Day” party to celebrate all of your closest friends instead.…

Easy Housekeeping Tricks to Keep Your Apartment Neat

January 4, 2017 | By Kalee AuthorMy First Apartment

While you don’t have to keep your apartment magazine-ready at all times, it is respectful to clean after yourself and keep your apartment neat, especially when you have roommates. Being a considerate roommate means you won’t have to worry about a messy apartment if a guest stops by unexpectedly or if you have to call…

Who’s Paid the Rent? – Our Top Apps for Managing Obligations Between Housemates

November 16, 2016 | By Grace AuthorMy First Apartment

When beginning a roommate situation, one of the most important aspects to figure out is what the cost of living will be for each roommate. In most cases, roommates split all major costs down the middle. This means each person is paying his or her share of the rent, utilities, sanitation, and common goods. If this…

Neatnik vs. Slob – How to Live With A Roommate Who is Less Tidy Than You

October 16, 2016 | By Kalee AuthorMy First Apartment

Living with a roommate can be beneficial in many ways including: splitting rent and household bills, having someone nearby in case of an emergency, and having someone to hang out with. One habit that can become problematic is living with a roommate who is less tidy than you, especially when it comes to sharing and…

10 Questions to Ask A Potential Roommate

October 2, 2016 | By Kalee AuthorMy First Apartment

You and your potential roommate need to have an open, honest conversation to ensure you will be compatible before you sign a lease and move into an apartment together. This conversation and some of the questions may be uncomfortable and personal, especially when it comes to discussing finances, but they are necessary questions you both…

Apartment Living: Expectations vs. Reality

September 6, 2016 | By Kalee AuthorMy First Apartment

Before move-in day, apartment hunters have expectations about how apartment living will be, and the reality is often times very different. When we watch movies, read books, and scroll through photographs on social media, we often see the fun, nice-looking side of living in an apartment. I know I certainly did. I thought apartment living…

5-Step Guide to Choosing A Roommate

August 23, 2016 | By Contributors AuthorMy First Apartment

Roommates can be a great way to save money, and possibly develop new friendships. If your dream apartment comes with a not-so-ideal price point for one, look no further for some great advice on how to make it through the process of choosing a great roommate. 1. Know Thyself Chances are, you will have a…

3 Simple Rules for BF/GF Visits When You Have a Roommate

July 7, 2016 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

This post by Katherine, originally published in May 2012, has saved many roommate relationships from turning into ugly war zones because of BF/GF visits — like the ones described in the comments to “How to Tell Your Roommate His Girlfriend Is a Problem”! There are three issues that can turn a roommate relationship ugly: splitting…