What’s the secret to getting along with your flatmates?

To help in these circumstances, we’ve compiled some simple tactics that can help maintain the harmony.

Our top 5 tips for getting along with your flatmates to make the most of your time at uni…

1. Keep shared spaces clean

Whether you will be living together for one semester or for the entire degree, it’s important that you show each other respect by keeping the main living area clean. Have a chat about what you all define as “clean” and set up guidelines. For instance, you may decide that items like clean laundry should be folded in your own spaces and dirty plates should be brought to the kitchen immediately.

HOT TIP: Be considerate and don’t leave dirty dishes in the kitchen or clothes lying around the communal space. Get together and determine a cleaning schedule with your housemates that is fair for all.

2. Talk through issues

Of course, even if you’re diligent with being clean, other problems may arise. So if you have an issue, make sure you talk it through with them. For instance, you may find one of your flatmates is having friends over too late the night before your big exam. This is something you’ll want to talk through with them and you may come to the resolution that no guests will come over the night before exams.

HOT TIP: Regular apartment meetings are a great way to get to know your flatmates and have a set time to talk through any issues.

3. Have fun together

Just because you’re flatmates, doesn’t mean you can’t be friends too. So get to know your flatmates better by showing them that you’re genuinely interested in who they are. Ask them about their university classes, hobbies or favourite movie and you’re bound to find something you have in common.

If you all love playing soccer, perhaps you could set up a weekly game at the University Park or you could organise a game of pool or an Xbox match at your property. Whatever it is, by getting together for fun ouside of time spent studying can be the best part of living in student accommodation.

So much more to experience…there are many free events – from welcome parties, pizza nights, fresh muffins or fruit to CV writing workshops – there are always a diverse range of activities and oppurtunities to take part in to help you make the most of your time at Scape.

HOT TIP: Don’t miss the chance to all join in the fun and meet other residents at events at your property, check out the event calendar on display around the property, the resident portal or keep an eye on the monthly uLife email in your inbox!

4. Give your flatmates space

While spending time together is great, you’ll also need to have time apart. Respect privacy of each other and don’t treat the communal area as your private space.

If you need a quiet space to study, you can head to your room or head to one of the many designated study areas. Similarly if your flatmate is needing some quite time, you could consider joining one of your university clubs to get to know other students with similar interests and encourage your flatmates to do the same.

In that way you will meet a whole network of friends during your time at university.

HOT TIP: Look out for each other, know the difference between study time and partying and get the balance right! You may like to agree on quiet times, especially when big assignments are due!

5. Be accepting

We all know no one’s perfect. So give your flatmates a little grace if they make some mistakes and always stick by the rule of discussing issues in order to make living together an experience you’ll always remember in a positive light.

After all, flatmates can become like your family away from home – especially with residents from countries across the globe, you’ll have the chance to meet a diverse network of people to share and enrich your Scape and uni experience!

So there you have it, our top 5 tips to help you get along with your new flatmates!

1. Keep shared spaces clean
2. Talk through issues
3. Have fun together
4. Give your flatmates space
5. Be accepting

Follow these simple tips for harmony in your apartment!