For students living away from home for the first time, or those moving out of halls into their own rented flat, finding the right living companion may not be as easy as it sounds.
Is that cool guy you drink with in the student bar going to be the perfect match or a flatmate from hell? Is your new best friend going to be a bathroom hogger or a terrible bill payer?
November is often house-hunting season for university students and following a few simple tips may make all the difference when finding someone to share with.
The Telegraph suggests a list of questions to ask any potential housemate, including how do they feel about money, how do they feel about mess, who is going to be in charge and do they get on with your boyfriend or girlfriend?
Online student magazine The National Student adds: “Understanding how to live with other people’s quirks and characteristics is part of life, especially at university. But, don’t let that stop you from making the move out of halls.
“Each group of flatmates has its own way of working well together, and it’s important to find out what yours is – this will keep everyone happy, and focusing on studies rather than personal conflicts.”
It also suggests looking at your own habits and being aware of how they may annoy other people you live with – not everyone wants to see you picking your toenails on the sofa.
It’s a cliché that students want to live with a plate of mouldy baked beans lying in the kitchen for six months and party until 3am every day – isn’t it?
Sources:
http://www.thenationalstudent.com/Student%20Accommodation/2011-06-15/finding_flatmates.html