Everyone has probably heard at least one friend's or relative's "old college roomie" tale; some are pretty funny while others are horror stories. Because "student" is usually synonymous with "poverty," roommates are considered to be as much a part of college life as "bonehead" English and late-night-pizza runs.

However, just as the idea of eating cold pepperoni at two in the morning doesn't appeal to everyone, the idea of sharing living space with another person isn't everyone's idea of a great time. Before you do anything else, you need to take some time to weigh the pros and cons of living with a roommate.

Signing a lease can commit you to coexistence for six months to a year. Before you make any hasty decisions, consider the fact that many marriages don't last that long. Use the information we've provided to help decide whether or not you really want or need a roommate. Consider carefully the pros and cons of each of the following factors:

Why Have A Roommate?

Economy.
Living with a roommate is rapidly changing from a preference to a necessity. The average rental rate
for a one-bedroom apartment near many campus' is no longer affordable for many students.

Companionship.
Roommate companionship can also be a big plus. Going home to an empty apartment may not be your idea of pleasant living. Having someone around to share your ups and downs, or to accompany you to the latest movie on five minutes' notice can be a great asset.

Safety.
Safety considerations should also be a factor when considering whether or not to share an apartment or house. The old saying that there is safety in numbers has a lot of truth in it. A roommate's assistance can be invaluable during an emergency or illness, not to mention the added feeling of security a roommate provides.

Parents.
Appeasing your parents can also be a deciding factor in choosing to room with someone. Parents often worry about their children starting off on their own in the big city, and a roommate can go a long way towards assuring them that you are not all alone.

Convenience.
Convenience is an obvious, but often overlooked, asset to communal living. Somehow, housework and the other drudgeries of life are not quite so bad when the responsibility is shared. Roommates are also great for answering the phone when you're not at home, loaning you money for the bus when you can't find your wallet, and letting you into the apartment when you left your keys at a friend's house away from home.

You As A Potential Roommate
If you have decided to live with someone else, the most important thing to do is to take a good look at yourself as a potential roommate. Set aside at least an hour of your time to sit down with a piece of paper and a pencil and do some serious introspection. Don't skip this part, it's really valuable.

List Your Assets.
Start with the good stuff and give yourself a pat on the back. Make a list of all of the "pluses" you will bring to a roommate relationship. Here are a few examples, but take time to think up your own. Make sure you cover all three categories:

Personal: Sense of humor, ability to listen, non-smoker, morning
person, etc.

Technical: Knowledge of plumbing, phenomenal cook, etc.

Material: Stereo, car, living room furniture, etc.

List Your Faults.
Now that you know you're not such a bad person, consider what "minuses" you will bring to a relationship. Be as honest as you would want your roommate to be with you. (If you can't seem to think of anything, you are kidding yourself). Again, here are a few examples to start you thinking:

Personal: Moodiness, sloppiness, you think all Beethoven music is just random noise, etc.

Technical: You can't change a light bulb, don't know a carburetor from a radiator, etc.

Material: No furniture, cooking utensils, TV or stereo.

What Are Your Needs?
What do you want out of a roommate relationship, and what must you have? For example, must you have your own room? Do you fall apart if you don't sleep between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.? This list is vital, so take your time.

Now Evaluate. Take a good look at your lists and consider your priorities. What is there about you or your lifestyle that is absolutely crucial to you? If you have always been a slob/ smoker/ morning person, whatever, don't kid yourself into thinking you can change now. If you want to change, great! But don't decide to live with someone who is allergic to smoke just to see if it will make you quit.

By the same token, decide what things you might be willing to compromise on to suit your roommate's tastes. Giving these matters some thought ahead of time will make it a lot easier when you actually start interviewing prospective roommates.