How to be a good housemate đźŹ
Starting uni is exciting, but it can also be a little disorienting. You’re leaving behind familiar faces and places, moving somewhere new, often knowing few people—or no one at all. If you're in shared accommodation, it can feel even stranger living with people you’ve just met.
It’s important to know you can’t expect to bring your old way of life with you. You’ll meet people from different backgrounds and with different habits, and adjusting to these differences is part of the experience.
You might instantly click with your housemates, but more likely, there’ll be some teething issues as you get used to each other.
Here’s how to adopt good shared living etiquette and avoid any household drama:
Tidy up after yourself daily: You might not notice your own mess, but others will. Tidying up regularly is an easy way to avoid frustration. Housemates may have different standards—more advice on handling that later.
Sharing: Always ask before using someone else’s things. If they say no, respect it—it’s their stuff. To avoid misunderstandings, keep items you don’t want to share in your room.
Leave your door open (at first): Being open early on helps you bond with your flatmates. While privacy is important, keeping your door open in the beginning can encourage friendly connections.
Noise: Some people enjoy a lively atmosphere, others prefer quiet. Be mindful of everyone’s preferences, and work together to find a balance.
Replace essentials: Don’t be the person who finishes the milk or toilet paper without replacing it. It’s an easy way to annoy your flatmates.
Respect shared spaces: Remember, it's everyone’s home, not just yours.
Different lifestyles: People will have different habits and standards. Unless they’re being deliberately disrespectful, accept that different isn’t wrong. If something bothers you, address it calmly—most issues stem from misunderstanding rather than bad intentions.
Handling difficult housemates: Stay calm and avoid confrontation. Explain how their behavior affects you, and aim for compromise. If someone criticises you, listen, apologise if necessary, and work towards finding a solution.
Set clear expectations together: Whether it’s about cleaning or noise, it’s important to agree as a group on shared expectations rather than one person dictating the rules.
Hopefully, you’ll all get along well. But if any issues arise, our Information and Advice team is here to support you.
Also, don't forget to attend our Housing Fair in November to help you make the right decisions when choosing your next house.
