“Let’s Live Together!” A Primer

By Lev Novak

Sometimes, when hanging out with friends, a simple idea will formulate itself. “Hey” you say, offhand. “We should live together.”

“Totally” says your friend, and now it’s on. Or you think it is. Or they do.

So what do you do?

1. Make Sure It’s On

There are a lot of times where someone can agree with you, or suggest an idea, and not be fully committed to it. Living with someone is a big decision- not to scare you- but it can’t be fully decided over drinks on a Thursday. Thursday drinks can be a big step, but it’s important to keep checking in and advancing your idea.

If you’re still going on an offhand verbal agreement from three weeks ago without checking in with your friend, you might be surprised by what they thought. Maybe they thought it was hypothetical, or they can only live with you if you cover 80% of the rent, or if you also live with their weird friend, Dr.Flapjack.

Whatever the circumstance is, confirming the suggestion as an offer is number one before you…

2. Think About It

I know, I know. Thinking isn’t fun. It’s much more fun to go with the flow and get excited and plan all the hamburgers you’ll be having, but you should ask a few questions, such as: “is this person compatible?” “Are they chill?”

To me, those are the most important traits, but you should run with yours. I have a bunch of friends I love but wouldn’t want to live with. If they’re much neater than I am, or particular about certain things, it might not be a great fit.

That said, I’d say being friends with someone is a great indicator of living with someone. Understand you won’t spend all your time in a permanent sleep-over- being roomies is a little different- but there are a lot of opportunities to hang out. Living with friends is the best, just be aware: not every friend is the best fit.

3. Work Out Logistics

Let’s say you have a great idea: you’re going to live with Scott and Danny, and they’re great. You’ve lived with them before, and they’re fun, competent, and willing to put up with your incompetence. Not only are they good friends, but they’re good room-mates. I can’t emphasis this enough. If you pay for the eggs, Scott will cook you breakfast.

This is a great idea. The problem with a great idea is it needs to be taken past the hypothetical, and things can be lost in its translation to reality. What’s the rent going to be? Are you all going to agree on the location? Does Danny insist on two bathrooms for a three-person apartment? Does Scott need an apartment with a driveway and street-parking for his unlikely car collection?

Here’s the good news: you can figure it out. The bad news is it won’t figure itself out. Go through uCribs.com and find a whole series of apartments. You can sort through all your needs, and it’s the quickest way to turn a good plan into a good thing.

4. Get Video-Games and a TV

Video-games turn an apartment into a home. Having a central hangout spot is totally the best. Put in that effort. Even if you don’t really play videogames, someone will. And hanging around while people play video-games as you all chill before gradually coming up with a new plan is sort of the best.

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