If you’re preparing to share a flat or house when you’re at university, here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure everyone feels comfortable and happy throughout your time there.
Make Sure You’re Budgeting for Your Share of the Bills
When sharing a house or flat with other people, ensuring that everyone is paying their share of the bills on time will make everyone’s life easier and reduce the chance of disagreements occurring. It’s also a good idea to lay down some flat rules with regard to heating and water usage so that you’re all paying a fair amount for what you’re using.
There are many examples of student accommodation Leicester, such as https://www.westmanorstudentliving.co.uk/, where utilities are included in the rent, which can help to make budgeting easier.
Establish a Cleaning Rota
While you’ll all be individually responsible for your own bedrooms, it’s important to make sure that communal areas like kitchens and shared bathrooms are kept clean and tidy. To eliminate the chance of conflict, establishing a cleaning rota soon after you move in will ensure everyone’s on the same page.
Learn How to Navigate Disagreements
Disagreements often happen when living with other people. The key is to understand how to navigate them without escalating the issue. Clear communication can solve most problems, as can being understanding when one of your flatmates might be going through a difficult time.
There are many benefits to having a group chat on the go, and having one with your flatmates can be somewhere to get to know each other, check who’s at home, ask someone to pick up some milk on their way back or find out whose dirty dishes are still in the sink!
Be Considerate About Noise
Your shared flat will likely be a place to both study and socialise, so it’s worth setting some boundaries with regard to when it’s acceptable to play music or invite people over. You could even get together and set some specific study hours, during which you and your flatmates can expect some quiet time.