I would be lying if I said that there weren’t some times when I wished I lived alone. It’s only human to be frustrated with your roommate from time to time, but the truth is, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sure, roommates can come with annoying messy habits, but when I really take a moment to step back and look at the big picture, there are so many things I would miss about having one. Here are seven reasons why living alone is entirely overrated.
1. You Save Money
I was recently searching for a new apartment and discovered that studio and one-bedroom apartments in Chicago can be ridiculously expensive. With a roommate, however, you can get a spacious apartment that doesn’t come with rent that could otherwise be a small down payment on a house.
Think about all of the other things that you split when you have a roommate, such as electricity, internet and cable—not to mention toilet paper, laundry detergent, milk and other shared items. Can’t afford that sectional couch you’ve had your eye on? Split it with your roommate. Now it’s much more affordable!
2. You Always Have Someone to Talk To
When I’ve had a tough day at work, I know my roommate is always there to take my mind off of whatever I went through. I personally like to crack open a bottle of wine, vent about the day’s events and watch whatever hilariously bad movie might be on TV. If I came back from a very awkward date, I can share every last excruciatingly painful detail and laugh with my roommate, and suddenly, things don’t seem as bad.
When living alone, I suppose I could pick up the phone to talk to someone, but let’s be honest, that’s just not the same.
3. Forgetting Your Keys Isn’t a Big Deal
I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve left my apartment and forgotten my keys inside. Woops. Well, with a roommate, you always have a backup to rely on when you forget your keys. Of course if they’ve locked themselves out too … then you have a problem.
4. Your Friend Group Grows
If you’re just moving to a new city, having a roommate is an automatic “in” to meeting new people. Chances are, they’ll have their friends over to your apartment a few times, and maybe you’ll even be invited to go out with them. It’s not always simple to meet new friends, but having a roommate makes that exponentially easier. After all, if you get along with your roommate, chances are you’ll get along with their friends as well.
5. Leftover Food Won’t Go to Waste
Cooking for one is frustrating. And difficult. I always end up making way more than I actually need because my eyes are bigger than my stomach. But if you have a roommate, I’m sure he or she would be more than willing to help you eat the extra portions of lasagna that you made.
6. Roommates Will Wake You Up (Hopefully)
Thanks to my college roommate, I was woken up just in time to sprint to my math final in my pajamas. Granted, I looked like I hadn’t slept or glanced in the mirror in six days, but hey, I made it there. If you usually leave the apartment at 7 a.m. every morning and you’re still sleeping at 8, a good roommate will come investigate.
7. You Have a Caregiver When You’re Sick
When I’m lying on the couch sick, all I want is a bowl of chicken noodle soup and some Netflix. Of course, I never have chicken soup on hand, and the last thing I’m feeling up to is a trip to the store. Your roommate is there to pick up any supplies you may need, whether it’s Nyquil, some tissues or a can of chicken noodle soup.
