Safety Tips

Finding a roommate can be an exciting and rewarding process, but it's important to exercise caution when it comes to meeting potential roommates. Follow these quick tips to help ensure your bases are covered when it comes to your personal safety.

1. Exercise caution when sharing personal information. Roommates.com offers an in-site Message Center which enables you to securely exchange messages with other users. This is a useful resource if you prefer not to share personal contact information, but we recognize users may want to share contact info for easier communication. However, be cautious: revealing phone numbers or email addresses can pose risks (such as unwanted solicitations or scams). Prioritize safety by limiting this information until trust is established with potential roommates.
2. Have a video call before you meet up. Prioritize your safety when connecting with others by scheduling a video call before arranging in-person meetings. Utilize services like Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams to have a virtual face-to-face conversation, allowing you to gauge compatibility and establish a level of trust. (Additionally, potential roommates with available rooms may be able to give you a "virtual tour" of the space, enabling you to see the room for yourself remotely.) Video calls provide a secure platform for initial interactions, helping you ensure the authenticity of potential connections and fostering a safer meeting environment.
3. Ask detailed questions about the individual/place before you meet. Prioritize personal safety when selecting a roommate by asking detailed questions about them and the living space beforehand. Inquiring about habits and living arrangements fosters transparency, helping you assess compatibility and potential concerns. This proactive approach empowers you to make informed decisions to help ensure a secure living situation.
4. Do your research! Before meeting potential roommates in-person, do a bit of research online. Explore their online profiles, social media presence, and any available references you can locate. Understanding their background, interests, and habits can contribute to a more informed decision, ensuring compatibility and a safer living arrangement. Taking this proactive step enhances your ability to establish a positive and secure roommate relationship.
5. Plan to meet at a public location if you decide to schedule an in-person meeting with a potential roommate. Opting for venues like coffee shops, libraries, or bookstores can provide a secure, neutral environment for initial introductions. Make your well-being a priority and ensure that the first meeting takes place in a public space to enhance your overall safety and peace of mind.
6. Inform others of your plans to meet a potential roommate in-person. Let a friend or family member know about your plans, including any details like the date/time of the meeting, the location, and the name of the person you're meeting (also, consider leaving a note at your current residence which includes this information). If you use social media, consider "checking in" at the meeting location so others know where you are.
7. If you can, bring a friend or family member with you to the meeting with a potential roommate. If you feel it would not be appropriate for a friend/family member to take part in the meeting, keep in mind that they can always wait nearby within earshot: their presence can add security and comfort, ensuring you're not alone. It's a simple precaution that contributes to a safer and more confident meeting.
8. Keep your phone charged and on your person at all times. This is a great rule of thumb for any meeting, but it can be vital when meeting up with someone new: it ensures you have a means of communication readily available, providing a quick and easy way to reach out for assistance if needed.
9. Avoid bringing valuables, personal documents, or excessive cash when meeting up with a potential roommate. Keep the initial encounter focused on getting to know each other without unnecessary distractions. Prioritize your safety and minimize the risk of loss or theft by only bringing essentials.
10. Follow your instincts. If you have an uncomfortable feeling, don't meet in-person. There are lots of other options out there, so trust your instincts for your own safety. Keep in mind that you can always Report or Block other users through Roommates.com to cease communication with another user or report them to our staff for review. Also, please know that you can contact our Support Team at any time if you run into issues with another user- we're more than happy to do what we can to help!