The Unwritten Rules of Halls Living

Want to keep the peace with your flatmates in halls?

Here are the unwritten rules of uni accommodation which are designed to help you survive (and keep the peace): 

1. Don’t pile up dishes in the sink: if you can’t do your dishes immediately after using them, put them somewhere out of the way so others don’t get frustrated when they come in to use the kitchen. It is the fastest way to become the villain of the flat.

2. Don’t steal other people’s food: Respect that it isn’t yours to use. Even if you only need a splash of milk, ask. It is the quickest way to make your flat resent you if you have a habit of using their stuff.

3. Take the bin out: Make sure you rotate who does it, but ensure you do it at some point; otherwise, it may cause some friction.

4. Warn your flatmates if you want to invite friends over: Drop them a text on the flat group chat, it is the nice thing to do. Let your flatmates know first if you are having a friend or a partner from home staying over.

5. Time your laundry: No one likes somebody who hogs the washing machine for hours on end, as there are only a few machines and lots of people who need to do their washing. People do get fed up and chuck your stuff on the floor, and you won’t enjoy dealing with that.

6. Shared bathroom specific: Don’t hog the bathroom or take long showers, as your flatmates will need to use it too. Clean up your hair in the bathroom, empty the shower trap, and don’t leave it for one specific person to deal with.

7. Keep noise levels down after 11 pm so others can sleep.

8. Buy headphones instead of blasting music or gaming loudly.