Office of Student Life

Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter
Student Engagement

Roommates

Find A Roommate

Do you have a place to live but need a roommate? Do you need a place to live and a need roommate? Thousands of Ohio State University students use the online Roommate Search.

The online Roommate Search is username and password protected, so you must have an OSU username and password to gain access. New users register daily, so feel free to utilize the online roommate search often.

Once logged in, you will have the option of posting a roommate ad (either specifying that you have housing and are seeking a roommate or that you need housing and want to move in with other individuals). Go through the ad listing and complete each question. You will be providing information on what type of roommate you are seeking, where you live, or want to live, and any other information you find pertinent in order to find a compatible roommate.

Your roommate ad will not include your name and/or personal contact information (unless you choose to have that information display on the website). Even when individuals contact you, they will not have your email address. Users will have to fill out a web form that will be emailed to you. After this first point of contact, it is up to you whether you would like to respond and/or provide any further personal information to the user.

Roommate Fairs

Roommate Fairs are held each semester and are great opportunities to meet potential roommates face-to-face in a safe and fun setting. A student ID is required before entering the event. We suggest that any student seeking a roommate set up a roommate ad before the Roommate Fair, so that anyone that did not get your information can contact you.

Visit our Roommate Fairs page for dates and times!

Successful Roommate Experiences

Your relationship with your roommate(s) can affect your living experience and happiness. Personal problems with a roommate can cause unneeded stress. Remember, friends are not always the best roommates.

Signing a lease with roommates has legal consequences. For example, you could personally be held responsible for unpaid rent and/or damages caused by your roommates. So choose your roommate(s) wisely!

Open and honest communication is the key to a positive roommate experience! Discuss your lease, budget and plan for any unforeseen circumstances.

Although most off-campus leases are 11 1/2- or 12 month leases, many students choose to go home during the summer months. Regardless of whether you are living in the rental property, you are responsible for paying your rent on time. Make sure you and your roommates are aware of one another's summer plans and that you are all in agreement. The best way to present clear expectations is by drafting/signing a roommate agreement. It is imperative that you and your roommate(s) discuss all items on the roommate agreement and come to an agreement. For a sample roommate agreement, check out the Off-Campus Living Guide and the sample roommate agreement.

Ask yourself and your roommates the following questions:

  • Unpaid Rent: What happens if a roommate runs into financial difficulties and is forced to move out without paying rent?
  • Utilities: Will each roommate be responsible for paying a share of the utilities, even if he/she is not residing in the property?
  • Subleasing: If a roommate wants to sublet his/her room (and the landlord permits this), is everyone comfortable with the agreement? Will the current roommates have a say in selecting the new/temporary roommate?
  • Quiet Time: Will the household have quiet study hours?
  • Food: Will everyone share the cost of food or shop individually and have a hands-off policy?
  • Guests: Will everyone be permitted to have overnight guests (and if so, are there rules for that)?
  • Temperature: Will there be stipulations on what temperature the thermostat will be set at?
  • Cleaning: Will the household have a cleaning schedule?
  • Parties: Will everyone be permitted to host parties? Who gets to come over? Who is cleaning?
  • Rooms: Who gets what room in the apartment/house (and do they pay extra for bigger/special rooms)?
  • Showers: Who gets to use the bathroom/shower in the morning/night? What’s the schedule?
  • Smoking and Drinking: Are smoking and drinking allowed?
  • Conflicts: How will conflict be resolved (i.e. majority rules)? Mediation might be an option for you.

Mediation

The Office of Student Conduct offers a Student Mediation Program, visit Student Mediation Program. Mediation is a way to address conflicts and disagreements. Mediation is a problem solving process guided by a neutral third party who helps participants explore issues and options, with the goal of resolving the conflict. To learn more about mediation or to request mediation, call 614-292-0748 or visit Student Conduct.

Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement also is willing to meet with you and your roommates. A neutral third party (OCCSE staff) will sit down with you and your roommate(s) and discuss a potential resolution for any conflict you might have with your roommate(s).

Common Disputes Resolved by Mediation:

  • Roommate Conflicts
  • Money Disputes
  • Property Disputes
  • Work Related Disputes
  • Student Organization Disputes
  • Group Project Disputes
  • Relationship Disputes