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The Dos and Don'ts of Sharing a Student House
Although also very exciting, choosing to live with another person or a group of people is a pretty big deal. Chances are, you will be spending plenty of breakfast times, evenings and weekends together in each others company, and therefore, you want to ensure, as much as possible, that things run smoothly between you.
Being a good housemate is not hard, but it requires some effort from your part. You can still be your true self, but at the same time pay attention to your housemates’ needs too.
Whether you are about to become a newbie student housemate, or have been sharing a student house for a while, here is a little reminder about the dos and don’ts of living with others…
Do:
Establish some ground rules with everyone living in the house. Setting a few simple ground rules early on can help prevent conflicts later, however, if you didn’t manage to do this when you first moved in, then it’s never too late to turn things around! Agree on things like noise levels, cleaning schedules, and rules on sharing food and drink in the fridge/freezer.
Do:
Respect your housemates’ space. Everyone needs a little privacy sometimes, so be mindful of when they want to be alone and get to know the triggers that might signal that they need space. Hopefully they will then do the same for you.
Do:
Try to be vocal and open with any issues or concerns you have. Talk to your housemates about things you think could be improved and do so in a positive and compassionate way so you don’t upset anyone.
Do:
Keep spaces clean and tidy after you’ve used them. Noone wants to be known as the messy housemat and shared spaces like the kitchen and living room should be kept looking tidy in case anyone has a surprise visit from their parents! Although cleaning might seem like a boring chore, it’s better to clean as you go, rather than having to spend hours cleaning a space that has become really run down and dirty!
Do:
Be considerate with things like music levels, the length of your showers/baths and using up shared storage space. Make sure your actions are not interfering with anyone else’s timetable or lifestyle otherwise you could be making someone upset or unhappy.
Do:
Be thoughtful and kind wherever possible. If you’re making a cup of tea, ask if anyone else wants one. Or, if you’ve noticed that someone seems a little down, then ask them if they want to chat, or maybe take a little walk outside to get some fresh air. Making someone else feel better can often make you feel better at the same time.
Don’t…
Be moody! Even if someone has done something to annoy you or invade your personal space, don’t simply ignore the issue and give them the silent treatment. If you have a problem, it’s always best to address it directly and get things out in the open as soon as possible.
Don’t…
Hog shared spaces for long periods or invite your other friends/partner over night after night. This really might start to grate on your roomies and cause tension. You all have the right to access shared areas like the kitchen and living room equally, so avoid monopolising them and choose to go out/visit your friends’ places sometimes to keep things balanced.
Don’t…
Be messy! It sounds obvious, but keeping your spaces clean and tidy will ensure that arguments are avoided and stress is kept to a minimum. Everyone prefers to live in a clean and clutter-free environment.
Don’t…
Disrespect others and avoid making derogatory comments or behaving in a way that could be hurtful. Remember that you have no right to behave in a way that upsets another household member, but if you ever do, then be sure to apologise and make things right as soon as you can.
Although most of these points may seem basic, it’s often useful to remind yourself of all the things that make a good housemate, as well as a good friend. Living together has it’s challenges sometimes, but with a little consideration, you can help to create a more harmonious living environment during your time at uni!