This website allows you to reach out to "‘matches" it assigns you based on your given criteria in a message board. However, once you receive a message, it alerts you with a notice saying in order to view this message, you must sign up for a paid subscription, and makes no mention of this until you have a person who responds to you. Not a helpful website for any purpose, would not recommend to any roommate requesters.
Hello,
It's unfortunate that you were not happy with how the website works. You always have the option to put your contact information in the free messages you send to other members so they can contact you outside of the website, then only one of you have to pay for a membership. This free option has assisted countless members in finding a roommate. If you would like some tips on how to utilize the free portion of the website please contact us at support@roommates.com.
Roommates.com Support