<p>Sorry if this is a stupid question, but my roommate is coming from the other side of the country and I just don't know what the best solution would be for buying bigger things such as a fridge, microwave, tv, etc. I understand that it might be hard for her to buy a lot of stuff since she won't have have a place to store it (and if she did, she'd have to pay $50 to store a few items, but I don't want to have to buy everything and then have her just use it. It wouldn't really be fair to me to do that. </p>
<p>I would consider splitting the costs, but I don't want to have to worry about who gets what if we decide to not live together again. Also, if I bought her half, how would we determine a reasonable amount to pay? I also don't think it would be fair to say "hey I picked an expensive one and you owe me half of it". It just seems like a messy deal. I've thought about saying "I already have a microwave and I'll buy the frige if you get the tv", but it seems like the frige would have more wear and tear and I don't really use the tv much.</p>
<p>What would you recommend doing? Also, where are some good places (and brands) to get a refrigerator from?</p>
<p>Are you living in a dorm? Why dont you both buy mini fridges? then Just split the furniture/whatever so the costs equal out in the end. I wouldn't split the costs of the actual items though. I think it'll work best if you use your own stuff though.</p>
<p>Why don't you ask her? "Look, my parents live a lot closer to the school than your parents do, and I don't know how easy it is going to be for you to store things in the summer, so is there a way to divide up who provides the things we're going to share that works better for you?"</p>
<p>Another thing to consider is that she may have a lot less disposable income than you do and not be able to buy half of what you consider the optimal collection of shared furniture and equipment. It may make sense, then, for you to pay to buy the items that are important to you and work something out as far as shared use. She may also have different ideas than you do about what's necessary. What if you ask her what she wants to pay for so you can buy the rest and she suggests that she pay for the XBox 360, the Wii, and the still? :)</p>
<p>For out-of-state students, is there higher tuition involved? It might be interesting to judge the income of your potential roommate, in which if out-of-state costs are significantly higher (as you go to state school) then your roommate might not be concerned about the costs of furniture. Also, does your school "rent" microfridges for the year?</p>
<p>^Tuition is slightly more, but still cheaper than her in-state school. I really don't think her family has a ton of money either and they are going through some hard times, so I hate to ask her to shell out a lot of money. I wish they rented them, but they don't.</p>
<p>I just don't know if I should buy it myself so there will be no question about ownership or what. Should I let the distance of her home (and how she would have to rent storage) affect my decision on how things are bought?</p>
<p>Maybe she doesn't want a fridge? I'm almost positive that I'm not bringing one, and I know I'm not bringing a TV. We're not allowed microwaves at my school and there are public ones to share (do you have those in your dorms?) so I don't need one of them either. </p>
<p>Just showing you that maybe she doesn't want any of that. Look at what nontraditional said- if she doesn't have a lot of money like you said, then she might not want any of that. I suppose I feel like she does- I wouldn't want to waste my money on that sort of stuff.</p>
<p>I'd say the best thing to do here is to email her. Ask her what she was planning for the dorms and what costs she thinks you guys might have to split- mention your concern about ownership problems after splitting the bill.</p>
<p>I am flying from California while my roommate is driving from New Jersey. So it is a little bit more convenient for her to bring the larger items. We decided to rent a fridge, I am going to buy a printer for us in DC, she is going to a bring a TV and I am going to make up the difference in kitchen supplies. If you feel like your buying all the big items ask her to contribute more of the small items that will even things out. Maybe share laundry soap and have her buy it. The little things add up.</p>
<p>well i have yet to find out who my roommate will be but i already know that i do not want a tv/dvd player/ game consoles, fridge, or microwave. all the things i am bringing i know i will use (she can use them if she pleases as long as they are not damaged). maybe you all should do it like this because at the end of the year you can just take it with you and not have to worry. i mean is it really going to be a big deal if she puts a couple of water bottles in your fridge? or you could just do not say anything about any of it and just worry about it throughout the year.</p>