How to be a good flatmate

Moving into student accommodation is exciting. It's often the first time you're living independently, sharing a space with people from different backgrounds, routines, and lifestyles. While making friends and creating memories is a huge part of university life, learning how to be a considerate flatmate is just as important.

Being a good flatmate isn't about being perfect. It's about respecting the people you live with and helping create a home where everyone feels comfortable, safe, and happy.

Keep Shared Spaces Clean

Nobody expects your flat to look like a show home, but shared areas should be kept tidy and hygienic.

Simple ways to help:

• Wash up your dishes after using them.
• Wipe down kitchen surfaces after cooking.
• Clean up spills straight away.
• Take your turn emptying bins and recycling.
• Don't leave clothes, shoes, or belongings in communal spaces.

A messy kitchen can quickly cause tension between flatmates. By spending a few minutes cleaning up after yourself, you'll help keep the flat pleasant for everyone.

Top tip: If you make a bigger mess than usual (perhaps after hosting friends or cooking a large meal), make a little extra effort to leave the space as you found it. You can find more information about cleaning here. 

Be mindful of food and kitchen etiquette

Food can be one of the biggest causes of disagreements in shared accommodation.

Golden rules:

• Label your food if needed.
• Store food properly and check expiry dates.
• Throw away mouldy or spoiled food.
• Ask before borrowing anything that isn't yours.
• Replace anything you've used with permission.

Don't:

• Assume food in the fridge is communal.
• Leave dirty dishes in the sink for days.
• Fill shared fridges and freezers with unnecessary items.

Remember, everyone has different budgets. Taking someone's food without asking can cause real frustration and financial stress.

Practise good food hygiene

Nobody wants food poisoning during exam season!

When cooking:

• Wash your hands before handling food.
• Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods.
• Clean chopping boards and utensils after use.
• Store food at the correct temperature.
• Avoid leaving cooked food out for long periods.

Keeping the kitchen hygienic protects not only you but everyone in your flat.

Respect Noise Levels

University life can be busy and social, but people have different schedules.

Your flatmates might:

• Have early lectures.
• Work part-time jobs.
• Be studying for exams.
• Need quiet time to relax.

Be considerate by:

• Keeping music and TV volumes reasonable.
• Using headphones when possible.
• Avoiding loud conversations late at night.
• Giving advance notice if you're planning to have visitors.

A good rule is to think about how you'd feel if the noise was coming from the room next door.

Communicate openly and respectfully

Most flatmate problems can be solved with good communication.

If something is bothering you:

• Speak to the person directly.
• Be polite and calm.
• Focus on the issue rather than blaming someone.
• Try to find a solution together.

If someone raises a concern with you:

• Listen without becoming defensive.
• Consider their perspective.
• Be willing to compromise.

Open communication helps create trust and prevents small issues from becoming bigger conflicts.

Respect different lifestyles

Your flatmates may have different cultures, religions, routines, or habits from your own.

Being respectful means:

• Avoiding judgement.
• Being open-minded.
• Respecting personal boundaries.
• Understanding that not everyone socialises in the same way.

You don't have to become best friends with everyone you live with, but treating each other with kindness goes a long way.

Respect privacy and personal space

Everyone needs time to themselves.

Remember to:

• Knock before entering someone's room.
• Avoid borrowing belongings without permission.
• Respect closed doors and personal boundaries.
• Be mindful when inviting guests into shared spaces.

A little respect helps everyone feel comfortable and secure in their home.

Be Responsible When Hosting Guests

Having friends over is part of student life, but it's important to balance your social life with consideration for others.

Before inviting people over:

• Let your flatmates know.
• Keep noise to a reasonable level.
• Ensure guests respect the property and other residents.
• Clean up afterwards.

Support Each Other

University can be an amazing experience, but it can also be stressful at times.

Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference:

• Say hello when you see each other.
• Check in if someone seems down.
• Offer help when appropriate.
• Celebrate each other's successes.

Creating a supportive atmosphere benefits everyone living in the flat.

Final Thoughts

Being a good flatmate isn't about strict rules. It's about consideration, communication, and respect. By keeping shared spaces clean, practising good food hygiene, managing noise, and communicating openly, you'll help create a positive living environment where everyone can thrive.

Remember: you're not just sharing a flat, you're sharing a home. A little effort from everyone can make university accommodation a much happier place to live.

What makes a great flatmate?

• Cleans up after themselves
• Respects food and shared spaces
• Keeps noise at reasonable levels
• Communicates openly
• Respects privacy and boundaries
• Supports their flatmates

Do these things consistently, and you'll be the flatmate everyone wants to live with!