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Tips on adjusting to shared accommodation

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 18 September 2023

UCL student Sharayah Munyi shares tips on adjusting to shared accommodation.

It’s fair to say that moving into shared accommodation can be a bit of a reality check for some of us, from having to share bathrooms to having to live in close proximity with people you’ve never met before. However, once you’re settled it can be really fun and you may even make great friends out of it so here are my tips on adjusting to shared accommodation.

1)           Understand that everyone lives differently

To avoid getting upset over situations you cannot control you first need to understand that everyone lives differently. While you may shower for X amount of minutes or cook with X spices, we are all different and do things differently. That’s not a bad thing and so long as you communicate with others everything should be fine.

2)           Get to know your flat mates

If you happen to live in a flat or generally just with other students try to get to know them. It’s always important to be friendly and cordial with the people you live with and getting to know them is a great start. Organising events to do as a flat or simply knocking onto your neighbor’s door when you first move in are all great ways to get to know the people you live with. You don’t have to be best friends but just knowing the people who live around you can instantly make you feel more comfortable in your new living environment.

3)           Be thoughtful

I feel like we all hear horror stories of nightmare flat mates who leave a stack of dirty dishes in the sink or are just inconsiderate. Don’t be that person and just be thoughtful. You don’t need to police people’s every move because, of course you’re at shared accommodation. However, you need to think about others and be mindful in certain situations, the same way you hope others would treat you. If you cook, clean your dishes or come to an agreement with your flat mates on a rota, keep the bathroom clean and above all just clean up after yourself.

4)           Pay rent on time if you can

I cannot provide direct financial advice but I would say try your best to pay rent on time. I understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique but having rent money hanging over your head isn’t ideal so if you can pay on time that’s great!

5)           Set boundaries

Setting boundaries is so important if you live in shared accommodation. If you don’t want people knocking on your door at 1am on a Wednesday night because you have a 9am the next day, then communicate that with them. If you expect people to not trash your room then speak to them. Communication is key when setting healthy boundaries and so long as you communicate in a friendly way you’re doing it right.

I hope these tips have helped and I’m sure shared accommodation will be a great experience for you!

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