Interviews

High-intermediate

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living with roommates at college? Consider ideas related to relationships, finances, and convenience.

Here are some word and expressions that appear in the video:

get along with someone (verb): have a friendly relationship with someone
– I didn’t get along with some of my roommates in college.

clash: (verb) be difficult to work together or (noun) a short fight or argument between people
– Some of my roommates clashed because none of them ever cleaned the kitchen.

common area (noun): an area shared by all the people in an apartment (for example, the kitchen or living room)
– We often meet in the common area of our apartment to play games and watch movies.

designate (verb): choose someone to do something
– Everyone is designated to clean different parts of the apartment every week.

Now, watch the interview and answer the comprehension questions. You can also turn on the automatically-generated captions for the video once you start it.

1. Would you prefer to live in a dormitory on campus or in an apartment off campus?
2. Would you rather have your own bedroom or share one with a roommate?
3. What problems can arise when living with roommates?

The following activities deal with related topics to give you additional language practice.

• Apartment Contracts
• College Roommates
• Student Living
• University Housing