Types of PG Roommates You’ll Meet in Mumbai – Funny, Relatable, and So Real!
Living in a Paying Guest is similar to experiencing a social experiment in which varying personalities come face to face in the same living space. Being a student, young professional, or just somebody who has migrated to a new city, life in a PG brings you together with an unusual array of folks who are temporarily your family. While some will end up being permanent friends, some others will definitely make you a more patient person.
So, which type of roommates have you come across in your PG journey? Let's explore this aspect of PG life a little more in detail.
The Neat Freak: Organization Is Their Religion
We all recognize this individual. Their half of the room is like something out of an IKEA brochure – bed made with hospital corners, desk tidy with color-coded stationery, and not a speck of dust anywhere. For them, "a place for everything and everything in its place" is not just a motto; it's a lifestyle.
How to Spot The Neat Freak:
- They have cleaning schedules pinned to walls
- You've caught them reorganizing the common refrigerator... multiple times
- They own more organizational containers than clothes
- The word "coaster" comes up in conversation at least once a day
Living with a neat freak can be both a blessing and a challenge. Your living space will always be clean, but be prepared for the occasional passive-aggressive sigh when you leave a cup unwashed or shoes in the wrong spot. If you're this person, remember to breathe and understand that not everyone shares your passion for cleanliness!
The Night Owl: When The Sun Sets, They Rise
While the rest of the house is winding down after evening meals, the Night Owl is getting ready to hit peak focus level. Productivity for them is highest between midnight and 4 AM. You'll find them by the dim light of their laptop screen lighting up the room in late-night hours, coupled with the muffled clicking of keyboard keys.
How to Spot The Night Owl:
- They have blackout curtains installed around their bed
- Their coffee consumption could single-handedly keep local cafés in business
- They've memorized every late-night food delivery option in the neighborhood
- "Good morning" to them means 2 PM
Living with a Night Owl requires some adjustment, especially if you're an early bird. Invest in a good eye mask and earplugs, and establish some ground rules about noise levels. If you're the Night Owl, remember that not everyone functions on your nocturnal schedule – headphones are your best friend!
The Chef: Turning the PG Kitchen into a Gourmet Restaurant
In every PG, there's usually that one person who transforms basic ingredients into culinary masterpieces. The Chef views the tiny PG kitchen not as a limitation but as a challenge. They own more spices than the rest of the house combined and are the reason everyone lingers around the kitchen at dinner time.
How to Spot The Chef:
- Their phone gallery is 90% food pictures
- They own specialized kitchen gadgets that no one else can identify
- They use phrases like "deglaze the pan" in casual conversation
- They judge others for eating instant noodles for dinner... again
The Chef is the most popular roommate during meal times but can sometimes monopolize the kitchen space. If you're sharing living quarters with a Chef, offer to help with prep work or cleaning – it's a fair trade for those delicious meals. If you're The Chef, remember to be considerate of kitchen timing and maybe offer cooking lessons to your less culinarily inclined roommates!
The Extrovert: The Social Butterfly Who Knows Everyone
This roommate treats the PG like a social hub. They know everyone in the building by name, including the security guard's cousin who visited once last summer. Their energy is infectious, and they're usually the one organizing movie nights, potlucks, or impromptu dance parties in the living room.
How to Spot The Extrovert:
- Their phone never stops buzzing with notifications
- They've created a house WhatsApp group that's more active than most work chats
- They refer to strangers as "friends I haven't met yet"
- They get genuinely confused when you say you need "alone time"
Living with an extrovert means you'll never lack social connections or event invitations. However, if you're more introverted, set boundaries early about your need for quiet time. If you're The extrovert, remember that not everyone recharges through social interaction – respect when others need space!
The Studious One: Library? No Thanks, I Have My Desk
With headphones on and surrounded by textbooks, The studious one is on a mission. Whether they're preparing for competitive exams, working on research papers, or just deeply passionate about learning, these roommates take their educational pursuits seriously.
How to Spot The Studious One:
- Their desk has more highlighters than a stationery store
- They have a detailed study schedule that they actually follow
- They know the Wi-Fi password of every café within a 5-mile radius
- Their idea of "wild Friday night" involves finishing an extra chapter
The studious one makes for a responsible roommate who usually respects quiet hours. They can be great study partners and sources of motivation. If you live with one, respect their concentration time. If you are one, remember that all work and no play can lead to burnout – take breaks and join house activities occasionally!
The Homebody: Where Home Is Truly Where The Heart Is
While others are out exploring the city, The homebody has created a personal sanctuary within their corner of the PG. They're experts at creating comfort – think fairy lights, throw pillows, and possibly more plants than a small nursery. They'll choose a cozy night in over clubbing any day of the week.
How to Spot The Homebody:
- They own at least three different types of room slippers
- Their collection of tea/hot chocolate varieties is impressive
- They've perfected the art of ordering groceries online
- Netflix asks them "Are you still watching?" at least twice daily
The homebody makes the PG feel more like a home with their attention to comfort and ambiance. They're usually great listeners and provide emotional support during house dramas. If you're living with a homebody, invite them along occasionally, but respect when they decline. If you are one, remember that stepping outside your comfort zone once in a while can lead to wonderful experiences!
The Borrower: "Can I Just Use This Real Quick?"
You'll know The borrower by the frequency of the phrase, "Hey, can I borrow your...?" From chargers to clothes, shampoo to snacks, The borrower operates on a communal property mindset that not everyone might share.
How to Spot The Borrower:
- They never seem to have their own phone charger but always need one
- Your food mysteriously disappears from the shared refrigerator
- They know exactly what toiletries everyone uses
- "I'll return it tomorrow" is their catchphrase
While The borrower isn't necessarily ill-intentioned, living with one requires clear boundaries. Establish ground rules about what can be shared and what's off-limits. If you recognize borrowing tendencies in yourself, make efforts to be more self-sufficient and always, always return what you borrow promptly!
Which One Are You?
The beauty of PG life is that we often embody different roommate types at different times, or even combine several traits. Perhaps you're a neat freak by day but transform into a night owl after hours. Maybe you're the homebody who occasionally channels your inner Chef.
Understanding these roommate dynamics isn't just for laughs – it helps us become more mindful of our habits and how they affect others. The key to harmonious PG living is respecting differences, communicating openly, and finding compromise when needed.
So, which type of roommate are you? Or better yet, which type would your current roommates say you are? Whatever your PG persona, embrace it – these shared living experiences often create the most memorable stories and sometimes the most enduring friendships.
Remember, a successful PG experience isn't about finding perfect roommates; it's about learning to live perfectly imperfectly together!
For more insights into PG living, check out this video about PG life experiences:
