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Choosing who to live with

Housing advice

Choosing who to live with

Getting in the lift with flatmates

Sharing a house or flat is often cheaper than living alone and can be a great way of getting the most out of your time at university or college. However, differences in lifestyles can to tensions; even if you’re living with your best mates. Compromise is vital for everyone’s sake, and sharing means bills and housework as much as well as space.

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To avoid stress and heartache, if you are choosing who to live with, it’s worth considering the following:

  • What are your priorities? Think about what are the most important traits in a housemate – is it someone who’s tidy, or fun, a good cook or doing a similar course?
  • How much privacy do you need? Some people will happily never close their bedroom door, whilst others really value their own space and possessions.
  • What are your bad habits? Everyone has habits and tastes which might seem odd to you. You need to make sure you recognise this, and learn to be tolerant.
  • Early bird or late owl? You might want to think about whether you mind the times people go to bed, wake up as a factor in your compatibility as housemates.
  • Be honest about your interests and what you want out of a housemate, it’s better to not live with a friend who’s not going to be a compatible housemate, then risk ruining a friendship.