Entries by Emma Swinford

5 Suggestions for Roommates in a Pandemic

May 19, 2020 in , , /by

The last several months have brought enormous changes to the way we work, study, shop, travel and live. Whether we live alone or with a roommate, many of the mainstays of our lives have transformed during this pandemic. Despite these changes, one thing remains the same: we all want a safe, comfortable place to call home at the end of the day.

Whether you and your roommate have an established relationship, or you’re just getting to know each other, these helpful hints can help make sure you’re both looking out for each other.

Intergenerational Camaraderie in Challenging Times

April 14, 2020 in , , , /by

At Odd Couples Housing, nothing makes us smile more than the stories of people in different life stages teaming up to support each other. It’s what inspires us and our roommate matches! We’ve spoken to a few of our matches this week, and they’ve been happy to have some company while sheltering in place at home. Hearing from them was a bright spot in our week!

What are the bright spots in your week? How are you keeping your spirits up? If you need to hear some good news, we have some inspiring stories about people of all ages stepping up to help their community and cheer up their loved ones!

COVID-19 and College Students: Your Go-To Resources

March 18, 2020 in , /by

Odd Couples Housing works with students, and we’ve been thinking a lot about the many young people whose lives and studies have been disrupted by the pandemic. This is no normal semester for many students. Colleges and universities across the country terminated study abroad programs, moved classes online, extended spring break, and in some cases, asked students not to return to campus. For many, this is a stressful time—financially, socially, and emotionally.

Aging in the 21st Century: Challenge and Opportunity

January 2, 2020 in , , /by

Dr. Carpenter, whose research and teaching focuses on aging, has a pulse on the challenges and opportunities of an aging society. He offers new perspectives and raises important questions about the changes we’ll face in our homes, communities, and the national front, as the U.S. population grows increasingly silver. At Odd Couples Housing, we’ve learned much from Dr. Carpenter to support our mission to create a sustainable future through inter-generational home sharing.

Four Tips to a Great Start with Your New Roommate

November 25, 2019 in /by

Living situations are important parts of our lives. Whether you are older, younger, moving into a new place, opening up your home, used to roommates, or sharing space with someone for the first time, it’s important to be comfortable in your home space. Settling in with a new roommate can be an exciting time–full of opportunities to connect with someone new–but it can also bring about a sense of apprehension about the unknown. What if things don’t go as smoothly as planned? What if I need a night to myself? Could we eat dinner together sometimes?

Living with a Roommate Who Works from Home

October 29, 2019 in , /by

For some, the days of packing a lunch, getting dressed up, and going to work are long gone. Whether it’s every day or occasionally, at least 43% of American spend some time working remotely each year. Despite being fairly common, many people are not familiar with this new work structure. If your new roommate works from home, you may be wondering, “What does this mean for me?”