More and more people, regardless of age, now have to live in roommate situations due to economic factors. Given that internet access is so important now, if you're going into a living situation with strangers, you have to decide whether you want to have the same internet access as they do. At first, you'd think this would be a no-brainer—of course you should tap into that household internet. But you may also want to have your own mobile internet device for specific reasons.

Your Own Bills and Usage

If you join up with others in the house for internet, you'll have to split the bill. That means you could end up paying for features that you just aren't interested in. Or, you could find that one of the roommates is a gaming or streaming fanatic, using up tremendous amounts of data and making it difficult for you to use the internet yourself. If you have your own mobile internet device, though, and you don't use the household internet, then you have only your own usage and bills to worry about.

Separate Security

A mobile internet device comes with its own password, so only you can log on. That can be comforting, especially if you find that one of the roommates is completely clueless about internet security, removing wireless passwords (this happens; sometimes people just don't get it) or downloading questionable files that then infect the router and any connected computers.

Slower Speeds

Mobile internet is improving quickly, but if you want super-fast speeds, you need to go with a residential plan and connection. Mobile devices really are quite decent now, but you're more likely to get those coveted 50-100 Mbps speeds with residential internet service. Mobile internet stays down in the teens and maybe the 20s, depending on your location and the company you go with.

Data Limitations

Residential plans also have larger data allowances. These are the plans people use for streaming movies and downloading software. Mobile internet is often capped at a certain number of gigabytes, after which speeds slow down considerably. If you trust your roommates not to hog all the data, that residential plan will give everyone more room to move, internet-wise.

Call your internet service provider and see what it offers for both residential and mobile internet. Also talk with your roommates to see whether or not you're on the same page regarding internet usage and security. If you're not, a mobile device for you could be a good addition.

Share