When you go to university, you inevitably wind up living with other people, unless you have some exceptional arrangements. Almost immediately, you’re either thrown into halls or student accommodation, and you have to get on with the people around you. You don’t have much of a choice.
That task, however, is easier said than done. You might think that you’d naturally get on well with people, but that’s not how it always works out. Students fall out, and eventually, arguments erupt. It’s a constant battle.
Maintaining the peace, therefore, is essential. But how? What should and shouldn’t you do to keep things in your uni accommodation civil?
Do Offer People Cups Of Tea
Yes, it sounds old-fashioned, but offering your fellow students cups of tea is one of the best ways to ingratiate yourself. The more you pamper them, the more they’ll associate you with positive feelings. You’ll come away being the most popular person in residence – and that opens up all kinds of opportunities.
Also, when you’re making tea, pay extra special attention to precisely what people order. Then, when you next come to make their cuppa, you can surprise them with your fabulous memory. It’ll make them feel oh-so-special.
Don’t Make A Mess
Nobody likes the person in student accommodation who is continually making a mess. Washing up left in the sink or plates on the coffee table are both big no-nos. Keep everything super tidy if you can. And try, where possible, to get others into the habit.
Do Give People Their Space
Going to university is an exciting experience. You’re finally free to do pretty much whatever you want for the first time in your life. Even so, it’s important not to trample on other people’s personal space. Ensure that everyone in your accommodation has sufficient downtime, even if you want to go out and party with them.
Look for somewhere to live that offers sufficient space for everyone and is maintained to a high standard. Student Accommodation Ormskirk, for instance, receives approval from the local university. Your accommodation should also have some form of accreditation.
Don’t Take Other People’s Food
It can be tempting to use other people’s food when making meals for yourself. It’s just so much easier to grab ingredients already in the fridge or the cupboard, instead of using your own. With that said, it’s a bad idea. It can lead to breakdowns in relationships fast, especially if you don’t immediately replace items.
Be a sport. If you need ingredients, take a walk to the shops.
Do Be Fun
University can be a stressful experience, particularly around exam times. If possible, try to be the fun person in the house. You’re always looking to provide cheer for those around you studying hard. Remember, living away from home can be a challenging time for a lot of students.
So there you have it: some dos and don’ts for living with other people at university. Higher education is supposed to be a place where you make memories. Enjoy your time there.
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I stayed at home for uni, but I will be sending this to my brother who will be moving out for uni in September!
https://www.emilyclareskinner.com
I’ve never moved in with anybody. And as I went to uni later in life never experienced living in the halls. But I can imagine it can be difficult. I’ve seen how hard it’s been for you, so these are definitely great tips to share for people who go to uni in the future xx
LottieLately.com
I totally agree with your dos and dont’s. This year is going to be my fifth year of living in a dorm. First two years I was lucky enough to live with my sister, third with my friend and then fourth one with a girl I met for the first time but she was living in and out of the dorm so I didn’t really see her that much. This year I have a completely new roommate I’ve never met before and I hope that there won’t be any problems.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Completely agree with these do’s and don’ts, just wish my flatmates had thought of them when I was at Uni. During my first year I lived with all international students who were doing Masters so we didn’t hang around that much, second year I commuted from home and my third year my flatmates just completely ignored me. Very stange experiences but meant I spent a lot of time at my uni friends houses with their flatmates which was fun.
Although I’ve never been to uni, I have lived in a shared house so I can hand on heart say YES to all of these do’s and don’ts.
Major one DON’T SMOKE in communal areas! I can’t believe that people would do that but they did and it was vile.
Great advice x
Great tips! I’d also say be aware of what you’re cooking and the scents that it may trigger. My second year in university I lived with a guy that made curry ALL the time. Which would have been less of an issue if he had turned on the fan, opened the window or cleaned up right afterward. He drove a lot of people crazy!