Meeting lots of new people is all part of the experience!

By living in residences you'll be living with people you've never met before and you'll learn lots of new things about yourself, and other people which is incredibly exciting. 

However, we also know that this part of moving into halls can be quite daunting for people. To try and make this experience as positive as possible it's important to play your part in being a good flatmate. 

Living well with others, will reduce the likelihood of disagreements between flatmates and support you with building positive relationships that will last throughout the year. 

Respect Each others Belongings

Everyone arrives in halls with items that matter to them, whether that’s kitchen equipment, food, clothes, or personal possessions. Respecting each other’s belongings helps create trust and avoids unnecessary tension within the flat. Always ask before borrowing something, return items promptly, and look after shared spaces and equipment so they stay in good condition for everyone.

Being mindful of food sharing is especially important. Some people are happy to share, others aren’t, and that’s okay. A quick conversation early on about what’s shared and what isn’t can prevent awkward situations and misunderstandings later.

Keep an Open Mind

You’ll be living with people from different backgrounds, cultures, routines and lifestyles. This is a great opportunity to learn from others and broaden your perspective. Keeping an open mind means being patient, curious and respectful, even when someone else’s habits or preferences are different from your own.

It’s normal not to click instantly with everyone, but giving people time and approaching differences with understanding can make a big difference. Remember, everyone is adjusting to a new environment, and a little kindness goes a long way.

Talk to Each other 

Good communication is one of the most important parts of being a good flatmate. If something is bothering you, try to address it early and calmly rather than letting frustrations build up. Likewise, if someone raises an issue with you, listen openly and try to see things from their perspective.

Regular, respectful conversations help everyone feel heard and valued. Whether it’s about noise levels, cleaning, guests or shared spaces, talking things through is far easier than dealing with conflict later on.

Set up Processes 

Agreeing on a few simple processes at the beginning can make day-to-day living much smoother. This might include setting up a cleaning rota, agreeing on quiet hours, or deciding how shared costs (like cleaning supplies) will be handled.

Having clear agreements helps manage expectations and keeps things fair. These don’t have to be strict rules, but having a shared understanding gives everyone confidence and reduces the chance of disagreements as the year goes on.

Reach out for Support 

Living with other people can sometimes be challenging, and it’s important to remember you don’t have to manage everything on your own. If you’re finding a situation difficult or conversations aren’t resolving an issue, support is available.

The Residence Life team are available to offer advice and support positive outcomes. Asking for help early can stop small issues from becoming bigger ones and helps everyone feel safer and more supported.

Have Fun!

Finally, living in halls should be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Make the most of it by spending time together when you can, whether that’s cooking, watching films, studying or exploring your new surroundings.

Shared experiences can help build strong friendships and make your flat feel like home. Balance respect and responsibility with enjoyment, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a positive, supportive living environment for yourself and your flatmates.