Living in a shared space, especially with a stranger, can be a daunting experience. There’s enough horror stories going around about terrible roommates, so it’s common not to question someone’s weird behavior. Adjusting to college is hard and can sometimes bring out hidden sides of people.
But what if this side is brought on by not even being in college? Could they be living in a space that they’re not supposed to occupy? Here are some signs that your strange roommate might actually be a squatter:
They Moved in Under Mysterious Circumstances
At move-in, they may have announced that they were your new roommate–But why did they just stand in the hallway instead of going inside? And why did they only bring a backpack and a sleeping bag for a full semester of college? Sure, minimalism is popular, but not to this extent.
They’re Hesitant to Give Out Personal Information
Name.Number? You may as well be asking them for the last four digits of their SSN based on the way they react. Don’t even think about asking them their major–You don’t know them like that.
They’re Always “Forgetting” Their BuckID/Key
Are they always knocking on the door to your room? Do they wait outside and tailgate to get into the building? Have you never seen them go to a Traditions location and swipe their BuckID?
You were Supposed to Have a Single
OSU’s Housing crisis is bad–But not that bad. Even if it was, why is there only one bed? This isn’t a Wattpad fanfiction. You should have questioned this at move-in rather than waiting till now.
They’re Overly Educated on Squatters’ Rights
They might discuss how lengthy of a process it is to legally remove a squatter: Providing proper notice, filing a formal eviction complaint in court, and either attending or having your attorney attend a hearing. All of this might be presented as common knowledge, like you’re an idiot for not already being aware of it. But maybe you are an idiot?
If at this point you have not realized you’re living with a squatter, that’s on you. Before reporting this to housing, remember that they’re only allowing emergency room changes this year. And if they’re living with you peacefully, it’s not urgent. Give squatting a chance!
Written by Holden Klym