Matches Vs. Searches
Roommates.com gives you two ways to find potential roommates: Matches and Searches. These tools work hand-in-hand: Matches help you quickly see people who closely align with your preferences, while Searches give you the flexibility to explore beyond those recommendations. Using both together can give you the best chance of finding the right roommate.
What are Matches?
Your "Matches" page highlights profiles that best align with the preferences you’ve set in your Profile/Listing. These preferences are compared against what other users have listed, so when there’s strong alignment, you’ll see them as a Match. This makes Matches a quick and convenient way to find people who are most likely to fit your needs.
Check out Perfect Matches Vs. Matches for details about the two types of Matches offered.
What are Searches?
In contrast, your "Search" page lets you take a more hands-on approach. Instead of relying only on the automatic Match system, you can browse and filter profiles by key details that matter to you. Searches are especially helpful if you want to cast a wider net, explore outside your exact preferences, or revisit profiles that may not appear as Matches.
For more details about Searches, check out our Search Beyond Your Matches article.