<p>My friend and I are looking at apartments for next year (at my school, we look REALLY early!) and we came across a really nice one, which of course is very expensive. Unfortunately, all of the apartments are just as expensive. I spoke with my parents and they said they would pay rent. Since I feel bad, should I just get another roommate who can room with me and we can share the cost? I have a guy in mind and he said would consider rooming with me. I am just unsure if I want to share a room as I was looking forward to having my own. Is sharing a room in an apartment any different than sharing a room in a dorm? Would 3 people in a large apartment be better than 2? Thoughts?</p>
<p>Be certain that whoever you are living with is reliable and will, in fact, pay their share of the rent AND be willing to contribute towards other costs and cleaning up. </p>
<p>From what I’ve heard from other friends, living together in an apartment is better than a dorm since you can move around to your own kitchen and living room and not just be in the same little room together, and only share your bathroom with 1-2 other people (although I know some dorms are different and offer some of these benefits anyway). </p>
<p>It really comes down to how well you like the people you are living with and whether they are dependable. Just be sure to discuss some policies before a lease is signed, such as whether having other friends over in your room when you’re not there is okay (so you don’t need to worry about your stuff being stolen during a party when you went home one weekend, as an example), who will do certain chores or will you alternate, how is cost of electric and cable, etc. being divided (if not included in your rent).</p>