The Do’s and Don’ts of Living in a Shared Flat

Moving into shared student accommodation is an exciting part of university life. It may be your first real taste of independence! But with that freedom comes responsibility—especially when it comes to living harmoniously with your flatmates. This is my list of do’s and don’ts to help you make the most of your time in student accommodation.

The Do’s:

Communicate Openly and Respectfully: 

Good communication is key. Whether it’s about cleaning, noise levels, or personal space, addressing issues early and with respect helps prevent unnecessary tension. Have a group chat or a regular check-in to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Set and Respect Boundaries: 

Everyone has different schedules, study habits, and personal preferences. Agreeing on boundaries early—for instance, quiet hours or rules on borrowing items—helps create a peaceful environment.

Clean Up After Yourself: 

Leaving dirty dishes in the sink for days? Not a good look. Shared spaces, especially the kitchen and bathroom, require everyone to pitch in. Create a cleaning rota to keep things fair.

Be Considerate With Noise: 

You might be a night owl, but your flatmate might have an early lecture. Keep the volume down during late-night hours and use headphones for music or movies.

Lock the Doors and Prioritise Safety: 

Security should never be overlooked. Always lock the front door when you leave and make sure visitors are accounted for. Keep valuables stored safely and report any suspicious activity to your RA or accommodation staff.

Be Friendly and Inclusive: 

You don’t have to be best friends with your flatmates, but being polite and inclusive fosters a good atmosphere. Invite them for a meal, a movie night, or just a casual chat—it makes shared living much more enjoyable.

The Don’ts:

Don’t Hog Shared Spaces: 

The kitchen, bathroom, and living areas are for everyone. Leaving your belongings everywhere or claiming these spaces to yourself can lead to frustration.

Don’t Ignore the Cleaning Schedule: 

It’s unfair to expect others to pick up your slack. If there’s a cleaning rota, stick to it. If not, ensure you all take initiative to clean up your messes—it’s a shared space, so be respectful of each other and keep the space clean. Also make sure that you each clean up regularly. It's unfair for only one person to bear all the responsibility to take care of the flat.

Don’t Bring in Unannounced Guests: 

Having friends over is fine, but be considerate. You are only allowed to bring someone over for 48 hours. Let your flatmates know if you’re inviting people, and don’t assume they’re okay with overnight guests without discussing it first.

Don’t Take Food Without Asking: 

It might just be a splash of milk or a slice of bread, but without permission, it’s still taking something that isn’t yours. Label your food, and if you’re in a pinch, just ask before helping yourself.

Don’t Be the Party Problem: 

Socialising is part of student life, but be mindful of how parties or gatherings affect your flatmates. Keep noise to a reasonable level, clean up afterward, and respect house rules about guests.

Living in a shared student flat can be an amazing experience when everyone plays their part. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free year. And remember—if you ever have concerns, we are here to help!