The real world walks hand in hand with real responsibility. Just as there are new freedoms and new opportunities, there are also new things to consider. One thing that's incredibly helpful, but generally overlooked, is knowing how to lay some ground rules with your new roommate. We've never had any problems getting along. If you merely talked about who would pay what when, and didn't write it down, you're legally up a creek.
Verbal agreements are worthless.
Just watch an episode of Judge Judy. Before you end up in small claims court, you need to make sure you have an agreement in writing so that everyone understands what his or her responsibilities are supposed to be, even if he or she chooses not to live up to them. Be careful how you present the idea of a written agreement, because it can be misconstrued. Forget it, I'm not moving in. Hopefully, your new roommate won't go this ballistic, but to avoid the possibility, stress that this contract is all about equality .