Sharing student accommodation can be a great experience, but choosing the right housemates is essential for a stress-free and enjoyable living environment. The people you live with can affect everything from your daily routine to your academic success.
Think about your lifestyle
Before choosing housemates, think about your own lifestyle and preferences. Are you an early riser or a night owl? Do you prefer a quiet environment or a social household? How tidy and organised are you? If your habits clash with those of your housemates, it could lead to frustration and conflicts in the house.
Sort out a cleaning schedule
Living with others means sharing responsibilities like cleaning, taking out the bins, and paying bills. Before agreeing to move in together, talk about cleaning expectations, how you will split costs for Wi-Fi, electricity and household items, and guest policies.
Find a balance between fun and studies
If you are focused on your studies, living with housemates who regularly throw parties may not be ideal. If you enjoy socialising, look for housemates who are open to spending time together and creating a friendly environment. Find a balance between academic focus and social enjoyment that suits you.
Exeter University accommodation is perfect for those wishing to study locally and providers such as https://www.exeteruniversityaccommodation.co.uk/ offer clean, comfortable options. In some university locations, accommodation gets snapped up quickly so it’s best to plan early.
Sort out the all-important financials
It’s important to choose housemates who are financially responsible to avoid problems with rent and bills. Discuss how everyone plans to pay rent, whether it’s from wages earned in employment or savings. Check too if they are happy to pay bills on time. You can also ask if everyone is happy with the budget for rent and utilities.
While you don’t need to be best friends, good communication and mutual respect are essential. If possible, spend some time together before deciding to live together. Ask about each other’s expectations for living arrangements. Be honest too, about deal-breakers to avoid conflicts later.