RoomitFor newcomers & international students
Find a roommate as a newcomer or international student
Moving to a new city or country, you're finding a roommate without a local network to vouch for anyone — and that's exactly who scammers target. The goal is to match with someone genuinely compatible, verify they and the home are real, and never pay before you've seen the place.
What matters most when you're newcomers & international students looking for a roommate
Scam awareness
Newcomers are prime targets for deposit-before-viewing scams. Never send money to 'hold' a room before you've met the person and seen the place live.
Verified, real people
Without local references, identity verification matters more. Match on a platform where people are vetted, and confirm with a video call.
Lifestyle & language fit
Shared language, food, and daily rhythm can make a new place feel like home. Match on the lifestyle factors that matter to you.
Timing your search
You can start matching before you arrive — line up a shortlist of compatible people, then meet (video first) before committing to anything.
Quick tips
- Never wire money or pay a deposit before viewing the place and meeting the person live.
- Reverse-image-search listing photos and be wary of prices far below market.
- Keep conversations on-platform until you've verified the person.
- Line up a shortlist before you arrive, but commit only after you've met.
Roomit matches on compatibility, not photos — and runs on iOS and Android with identity verification built in. See how the matching works.
Helpful guides
How do you avoid roommate and rental scams online?
How to spot and avoid the most common roommate and rental scams — fake listings, deposit-before-viewing, and identity tricks — when searching online.
Read guideIs it safe to live with someone you met online?
Living with a roommate you found online is common and can be safe — if you verify identity, meet first, check references, and trust the warning signs. Here's how to do it right.
Read guideHow do you find a compatible roommate (not just any roommate)?
A step-by-step approach to finding a roommate you'll actually get along with — define your non-negotiables, screen on habits, and verify before you commit.
Read guide