Two bedroom apartments in the South Loop are like rare gems. When you find one, and you’ve got to act fast because it won’t be available for long. Two bedroom apartments are a hot commodity all the time and if you see one, you need to do everything in your power to get ahold of it. Let’s be real, that usually means bringing a roommate into the mix to keep those rent checks manageable.

Some people feel that having a roommate is a bad idea because they want more space, more privacy, and fewer conflicts and awkwardness.

Those are all valid concerns but the truth is that having a roommate is actually a win for everyone involved. Not only does it give you a better place to call home, but you might even make a friend for life. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind before you sign on to split that precious space.

Splitting Costs: First off, your bank account will thank you if you get a roommate to share your two bedroom apartment.

From rent to utilities, groceries and more - everything becomes half the burden when there’s someone to share the financial load.

Living on your own is great for plenty of reasons, but it can really burn a painful and constant hole in your wallet faster than you realize. But with a roommate, you can keep some cash for the fun stuff that you enjoy in your life, all while loving the perks of your own place.

Companionship: Beyond just saving money, roommates keep the loneliness at bay, which is a very idea, especially for younger people who have never lived away from their parents and family before.

Living alone can be relaxing and peaceful but it can also get isolating awfully fast too. However, when there’s someone else in the apartment, you’ve always got a buddy nearby to chat, hang out, and even plan last-minute adventures with. Yes, you’ll need to make sure they want to hang out and not need space but if they’re game to kick back, you should always take them up on that.

Social Boost: Whether it’s a short chat over dinner or quick vent sessions about work, having someone around keeps you social and feeling connected to the world outside. When you live on your own, you simply do not have that.

Sure, you may not want to socialize every night, but a roommate keeps you in touch with the human experience, which will make every aspect of your life better.

Dealing with Disagreements: Let’s be honest: conflicts are bound to pop up at times because even the best of friends butt heads.

The trick here is to talk things through before they turn into full-blown issues. Open communication goes a long way, and keeping things chill means you can avoid those tense standoffs over who left the dishes out.