Sharing spaces with people comes with its own baggage, but the experience is rewarding and the memories shared will last forever.
Student accommodation comes with various different room types and options. Some students opt for studio apartments to live comfortably on their own. However, this is the most expensive option alongside a one-bedroom apartment.
For people like me who love to save and budget, I would rather go for a cheaper option and still live comfortably. For example, flats with en-suite bedrooms and shared living spaces. In addition, being an undergraduate or postgraduate student might influence your choice of accommodation.
Sharing a common space with other people isn't for everyone, like I will jokingly tell my friends. If you want to improve on teamwork, living with flatmates will do that! I currently live in a student en-suite room; here, you only have to share kitchen and still have your privacy.
Here are some tips to be able to live with other people:
1. Move in early
Moving in before your flatmates means that you can get all your items in comfortably, instead of all struggling to carry boxes in at the same time. It also means you can pick your space in the kitchen first. However, try and be considerate. For example, if there are 6 flatmates and 12 kitchen cabinets, you are entitled to 2.
2. Be friendly
I know it can be daunting meeting new people and sharing spaces with them does not make it any easier. One thing for sure is that every flatmate is feeling the same. Be the first to introduce yourself and be friendly.
3. Create a group chat
Creating a WhatsApp group chat seems to be best. This helps with communication, especially if you want to pass on messages to your flatmates.
4. Take initiative
If you like structure, suggest to your flatmates that you to create a rota to help with chores. For example, I came up with a rota where someone takes the bins out every Sunday. This way, everyone will do their fair share. In addition, if you are a super clean person, I would advise to create a rota to clean the kitchen, especially the worktops.
5. Be considerate
Once you have started to live with your flatmates, you will roughly know what time everyone cooks. Most shared kitchen can only accommodate two people cooking at the same time. Most people will just wait for the first person to finish so they can comfortably cook. Asking on the group chat can also be useful as you can let everyone know ahead you will prefer cooking around this time or day.
Sharing spaces with people comes with its own baggage, but the experience is rewarding and the memories shared will last forever. Most importantly, stand up for yourself! Never accept disrespect or let anyone take advantage of you.
