Set some ground rules early on

One of the best ways to settle in and make your flat feel like home is to have a few honest and open conversations with your new flatmates early on. It sets the right tone for the rest of the year and helps make sure everyone’s on the same page.

Here are some key chats to have early on to keep things fair, friendly, and fun:

1. Household jobs and responsibilities

No one wants to feel like they’re doing all the cleaning or taking out the bins every week. Having a chat about how to share the responsibilities will keep things running smoothly. Most flats at Leicester have a flatmate rota poster in the kitchen where you can easily write out who’s doing what. It’s a simple way to avoid any misunderstandings and make sure everyone plays their part.

Agree on how often chores like taking out the bins, cleaning the kitchen, or hoovering should happen. Once it’s all sorted, write it up so everyone can see the plan – it’ll save you from any awkward moments later.

2. Noise levels and quiet hours

Uni living can get noisy at times, but having a quick conversation about when it’s okay to make noise and when to keep it down is super important. Some of your flatmates might need a bit of quiet to study or relax, especially during exam periods.

Make sure to set quiet hours for the flat, whether that’s late at night or during certain study times. It’s also good to talk about things like music or TV volume. It’s all about keeping things respectful, you don't necessarily have to write everything down like a contract - whatever works for your flat.

3. Guests and visitors

You’ll probably want to invite friends or family over from time to time (and so will your flatmates). All you need to do is give your flatmates a heads up and make sure your guests are being respectful when they're staying over. Setting this early on will create a friendly, welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable having their people around.

4. Food and shared spaces

Living in a shared flat means your kitchen, fridge, and cupboards will be used by everyone. A conversation about food can go a long way in avoiding potential issues.

Decide if you’ll share food and supplies or keep things separate. If you do share, be sure to agree on how to split costs fairly. Having a quick chat about how to use shared spaces (like the kitchen) and keeping them clean will make sure no one feels like they’re picking up after others all the time. You can also assign cupboard spaces so everyone has enough room for their weekly shop.

5. Respecting personal space and privacy

While it’s great to spend time together and make friends with your flatmates, it’s also important to respect each other’s personal space and privacy. Make sure everyone feels comfortable retreating to their room when they need some alone time.

6. Fun and socialising

So this is the most important convo. Chat with your flatmates about doing things together – whether that’s cooking a meal, watching a movie, or heading to a social event on campus. It’s great to have some shared experiences with the people you live with. It helps form bonds, makes your flat feel more like a home and also makes some of the other conversations easier.

Keep the communication open

If something comes up that bothers you, don’t be afraid to bring it up in a calm and friendly way. Likewise, if you’re unsure about something, just ask. Communication is always key with new people, and sometimes you will need to be the person to get the ball rolling.

By having these conversations, you’re setting the foundation for a respectful, fun, and supportive living environment. Plus, you’ll likely make some great friends along the way!