Tips for a smooth move into shared accommodation

Hi, I'm Zahra and I'm currently studying BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Behaviour. I lived in student accommodation last year and learnt a lot from my time in shared housing.

What was my experience?

For me, sharing student accommodation was a mixed experience.

On the positive side, I got to meet new people and make friends. I shared some of the best moments with my new flatmates. It was also a great help financially as I was able to split costs and responsibilities.

It was sometimes challenging and we did sometimes have disagreements over cleanliness, noise, or differing schedules.

Living in student accommodation taught me that communication and setting boundaries are key to making the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

How to share a kitchen with other people

At first, sharing a kitchen with other people was a bit of a test of patience. As time goes on, you build relationships with your housemates and learn to cope. It's essential to establish some ground rules from the beginning and maintain clear levels of communication at all times.

One way we dealt with this was to create a schedule for kitchen use. We agreed on a cleaning duties schedule and made sure to respect each other's space and belongings.

By maintaining open communication and being considerate of others, we realised that it can help create a harmonious environment in the shared kitchen.

What are some common kitchen rules we established?

To ensure a smooth experience in a shared kitchen, it's helpful to establish some common rules. Here are a few suggestions that me and my roommates came up with that could help anyone considering living in student accommodation:

Cleanliness

Agree on a cleaning schedule for shared areas like countertops, sinks, and stovetops. Everyone should clean up after themselves promptly.

Respect for space

Respect each other's belongings and storage areas. Avoid using others' items without permission.

Noise levels

Be mindful of noise, especially during late hours, to respect others who might be studying or resting.

Sharing and communication

Discuss sharing common items like pots, pans, and utensils. Communicate openly about buying shared items or replacing them when needed.

Food storage

Clearly label your food items and agree on fridge and pantry space allocation to avoid confusion and disputes.

Guest policy

We also set guidelines for having guests over and using the kitchen facilities.

Settling disagreements

How did we handle situations when someone didn't follow the established rules?

There will always be the odd occasion when someone doesn’t want to follow the set rules. It can be hard to adjust to living away from home and sharing a space with others. Here are some of the ways to deal with this situation:

If someone isn't following the rules you've all agreed upon, I found that it's important to address the situation calmly and respectfully. You can start by having a casual chat with the person to discuss the issue and clearly explain how their actions are affecting the living situation. It's important to try and understand their perspective as well to see if there is a way you can help them adjust.

If the problem persists, consider involving other housemates or the accommodation management to mediate the situation. Communication is key in resolving conflicts in shared spaces.

Tips on how to live with other students

I've found that to live harmoniously with other students, it's crucial to establish clear communication and set expectations from the start. Here are some tips we found useful:

Cleaning

Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Assign specific tasks to each housemate to ensure shared areas are kept tidy.

Cooking

Coordinate meal planning and cooking schedules to avoid conflicts in the kitchen. Share recipes and cooking responsibilities to make mealtimes enjoyable for everyone.

Budgeting

Set a budget for shared expenses like groceries, utilities, and household items. Keep track of expenses and ensure everyone contributes fairly.

By having open communication, mutual respect, and a sense of responsibility, you can create a positive living environment with your housemates.

Learn more about accommodation at Bradford.