Should you room with a friend? An honest breakdown
Living with a friend can bring trust, shared history, and an easier search. It can also make money, cleaning, guests, and conflict harder to address because neither person wants to damage the friendship.
Talk before applying. Cover rent, lease liability, chores, visitors, work schedules, and what happens if one person wants out. Write it down. The agreement protects the friendship by removing the need to rely on memory or goodwill in a tense moment.
Ask whether you have seen one another under stress. If not, make the arrangement shorter or more flexible at first. A good friendship is helpful evidence, not a guarantee.