Published on 7/20/2025

You found it. The perfect apartment with a sunny living room, just a short cycle from the centre of Ghent. Or maybe it’s a stunning townhouse with a garden, right in the heart of a lively Brussels neighbourhood. You've won half the battle, but the most crucial part is yet to come: meeting your future colocs.

The people you share your home with will shape your daily life more than anything else. To ensure your new home is a sanctuary, not a source of stress, you need to have "The Roommate Interview."

This isn't a formal interrogation. It's a friendly, open conversation to check for compatibility. Asking the right questions upfront can save you months of frustration. Here are 15 essential questions to get the conversation started.

Part 1: The Lifestyle & Daily Flow

These questions help you understand each other's daily rhythm.

1. What does a typical weekday look like for you? Why it matters: Are they an early riser for a 9-to-5 job in the EU Quarter, or a hospitality worker in Antwerpen who comes home late? Understanding schedules helps manage noise and shared space usage.

2. Are you more of a morning person or a night owl? Why it matters: This simple question reveals a lot about kitchen traffic in the morning and potential for noise late at night.

3. How do you like to unwind after a long day? Why it matters: Do they need quiet time with a book, or do they de-stress by socialising in the living room? This helps set expectations for the home's atmosphere.

Part 2: The Cleanliness Code

This is the #1 source of roommate conflict. Don't skip these.

4. What's your honest definition of 'clean' for a shared space like the kitchen? Why it matters: One person's "clean" is another's "disaster zone." Get specific. Does "clean" mean dishes are done immediately after use, or is a 24-hour soak acceptable?

5. How do you feel about a cleaning schedule? Why it matters: Whether you're in a student kot in Leuven or a professional coliving in Brussels, a plan for cleaning is vital. Is a structured rota the way to go, or a more casual "clean as you go" approach?

6. What's one small messy habit you're willing to admit to? Why it matters: This is a great way to encourage honesty. If someone admits to leaving their coffee cup on the counter, it opens the door for a more truthful conversation.

Part 3: The Social Scene & Guests

Establish boundaries for your shared home.

7. How often do you typically have friends over? Why it matters: It's about managing expectations. Are we talking about a weekly dinner party, an occasional movie night, or frequent pre-partying before heading out in Ixelles?

8. What's your policy on overnight guests? Why it matters: This needs to be discussed. Is it okay for partners to stay over? For how long? A clear understanding prevents awkwardness later.

9. Are you looking for new best friends, or just friendly people to live with? Why it matters: Some people want a chosen family; others prefer a more independent, respectful co-existence. Both are valid, but it's best if everyone is on the same page.

Part 4: The Practicalities & Finances

Talking about money now prevents arguments later.

10. How should we handle shared supplies (toilet paper, cleaning products, olive oil)? Why it matters: Will you have a shared pot of money, use a tracking app, or will everyone buy their own?

11. Are you comfortable using an app like Splitwise to track shared expenses? Why it matters: Using an app creates transparency and fairness, avoiding the "who owes who" headache.

12. What are your thoughts on sharing food or cooking together? Why it matters: This reveals more about the desired level of community. Is it an "every person for themselves" kitchen, or will there be shared meals?

Part 5: Communication & Harmony

How will you handle things when they aren't perfect?

13. What's the best way to bring something up if it's bothering you? Why it matters: Establishes a communication protocol. Do they prefer a direct in-person chat, a note, or a message in the house WhatsApp group?

14. Have you had a roommate disagreement before? How did you handle it? Why it matters: Their answer reveals their conflict-resolution style—are they collaborative or confrontational?

15. Ultimately, what are you looking for in your ideal coliving experience? Why it matters: This big-picture question ties everything together. It ensures your visions for a happy home are aligned.

Find Your Match Before You Move In

Asking these questions is the single best thing you can do to ensure a harmonious home. The good news is, you don't have to wait until you're viewing the property.

At colochub.be, we believe community comes first. Our platform is designed to facilitate these exact conversations. You can view tenant profiles to get a sense of their lifestyle and use our secure messaging to start your "roommate interview" early. Find the right people first, and the right place will feel like home.