How to split costs in college apartment. please help.
By
on
August 21st, 2008
There are two other girls in our suite style apartment. Julie has agreed to buy the entertainment system and has already bought most of the kitchen appliances. She also wants to buy the TV and but not buy any of the living/dining room furniture. Julie thinks that the other room mate and I should split the costs of the furniture. The thing is, all of the things Julie is buying can be taken to her home after college. I will not be able to do anything with the crappy furniture after college- because who wants crappy furniture. In my opinion, it would be better to spend $1000 on the TV and kitchen utensils than $300 of furniture. I feel like the other room mate and I are being taken advantage because she gets to buy the things that can be used after college. Should I just shut up and pay for the cheap furniture or stand up to her and try to work something else out. Any suggestions for a good outcome in this situation would be greatly appreciated.
Jen M says:
Well, you might point that out to her. Remember though, if you make enemies now, it is going to be a long semester. So be diplomatic. Really you should have all gotten a chance of purchasing some of the necessities.
Maybe she is thinking that if you split the cost of the furniture you can purchase nicer furniture that can be used after college. You know, you buy a nice 1000 dollar couch and the other girl buy a nice coffee table.
As for what you do, well you have to figure out what is best for you. Sorry, it is a part of growing up.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:27 pm
pipsiwa says:
Julie might feel like she is helping out alot with this arrangement, or she might feel like she’s getting the better deal. But either way, she really is getting the better deal, especially if the furniture you’re buying is low-cost temporary college dorm stuff. You could do a few things:
1.) You could stick with her idea and split the cost of the furniture with the other roommate.
2.) Talk to her and let her know your view on the situation and try to come up with a different compromise.
3.) Or you could still stick with her agreement, but just buy really inexpensive furniture, and you end up spending less money.
I would probably speak up and try to find a compromise, because Julie sounds a little bossy and when you’re living with roommates, it gets really annoying, really fast when one roommates tries to be the house mother and control everyone.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:23 pm