When you first start university, it can be tough getting used to an entirely new environment, independent living and co-habiting with often, complete strangers. It is not uncommon that tensions rise in certain situations when living in close proximity and under uni deadline stress. However, I have created this guide to help you play your part in keeping the peace and being an ideal housemate.

• Don’t be messy

There’s nothing worse than a housemate who creates a ton of mess without cleaning up after themselves. If you keep up on top of all your stuff, especially in communal areas, then everyone will be happier.

• Eat your own food

Many students will agree that this is one of their pet hates. People stealing your food is so incredibly annoying and ultimately means you are having to pay out to replace it all. This can definitely lead to bad feeling in a house environment so if you do have nothing to eat, make sure you at least ask first before you take something.

• Respect your housemates during exam periods

A lot of people have deadlines at similar times and it is during these stressful periods that we need a bit of peace and quiet to revise. Be mindful and plan your social events around this – throwing a big house party in the middle of exam season wouldn’t be the nicest thing to do!

• Try and get stuck in

Being sociable within a house can certainly make your living experience a lot more enjoyable. Making house meals, going on house outings and so on helps to build better relations and can also make issues easier to solve if they should arise. Plus, no-one really likes a housemate who sits in their room 24/7!

• Avoid passive aggressiveness

Leaving passive aggressive notes around the place is not the best way to talk to your fellow housemates and can make small problems a lot worse. Confronting an issue in person will resolve things a lot quicker and people will have more respect for you for doing it.

• Pay on time

This is mostly aimed at those going into private rented houses but it is always important to pay your bills on time. This is especially the case if there is someone in the house in charge of bills as they are going to be losing extra money from their bank account which no student can afford to do.

• Have clear communication

This goes for a number of things, including if you’re are planning on having any parties or guests over to stay. Having clear communication will reduce chances of having misunderstandings and therefore fall-outs.

• Help with the chores

Sadly, the bins don’t go out by themselves, the cleaning doesn’t happen by magic and your washing up won’t wash on its own. This is something that will have to be discussed between you and your housemates and goes back to the clear communication point. If everyone did their part, your humble abode would be clean in no time.

Can you think of any other points? Let me know in the comments below!

When you first start university, it can be tough getting used to an entirely new environment, independent living and co-habiting with often, complete strangers. It is not uncommon that tensions rise in certain situations when living in close proximity and under uni deadline stress. However, I have created this guide to help you play your part in keeping the peace and being an ideal housemate.

• Don’t be messy

There’s nothing worse than a housemate who creates a ton of mess without cleaning up after themselves. If you keep up on top of all your stuff, especially in communal areas, then everyone will be happier.

• Eat your own food

Many students will agree that this is one of their pet hates. People stealing your food is so incredibly annoying and ultimately means you are having to pay out to replace it all. This can definitely lead to bad feeling in a house environment so if you do have nothing to eat, make sure you at least ask first before you take something.

• Respect your housemates during exam periods

A lot of people have deadlines at similar times and it is during these stressful periods that we need a bit of peace and quiet to revise. Be mindful and plan your social events around this – throwing a big house party in the middle of exam season wouldn’t be the nicest thing to do!

• Try and get stuck in

Being sociable within a house can certainly make your living experience a lot more enjoyable. Making house meals, going on house outings and so on helps to build better relations and can also make issues easier to solve if they should arise. Plus, no-one really likes a housemate who sits in their room 24/7!

• Avoid passive aggressiveness

Leaving passive aggressive notes around the place is not the best way to talk to your fellow housemates and can make small problems a lot worse. Confronting an issue in person will resolve things a lot quicker and people will have more respect for you for doing it.

• Pay on time

This is mostly aimed at those going into private rented houses but it is always important to pay your bills on time. This is especially the case if there is someone in the house in charge of bills as they are going to be losing extra money from their bank account which no student can afford to do.

• Have clear communication

This goes for a number of things, including if you’re are planning on having any parties or guests over to stay. Having clear communication will reduce chances of having misunderstandings and therefore fall-outs.

• Help with the chores

Sadly, the bins don’t go out by themselves, the cleaning doesn’t happen by magic and your washing up won’t wash on its own. This is something that will have to be discussed between you and your housemates and goes back to the clear communication point. If everyone did their part, your humble abode would be clean in no time.

Can you think of any other points? Let me know in the comments below!