How to live harmoniously with your flatmates
Sharing a home with new people is a big part of university life, and getting it right can make your whole experience feel smoother, happier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re moving into University accommodation or settling into a private flat, these simple tips will help you build a positive, respectful and relaxed living environment from day one.
8 October 2024
Starting university is exciting, with new friends, new experiences and for many students, the first time living away from home. Whether you’re a first year in University accommodation, staying with one of our private accommodation providers, or preparing to move into the private sector for your second year, living harmoniously with your flatmates can make or break your student experience. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help you build a positive and respectful living environment at Newcastle.
- Create a “flat contract” when you first move in
It might sound formal, but a flat contract is one of the best things you can do when moving in together. Sit down as a group in the first week and agree on some basic standards and expectations.
Think about things like:
• Cleaning responsibilities
• Noise levels, especially during study weeks or late nights
• Shared expenses such as toilet roll, cleaning supplies and milk
• Guests and overnight stays
Once everyone has had their say, write it down somewhere, even if it’s just in your WhatsApp group notes. This helps set the tone for respect and avoids awkward conversations later.
- Respect that everyone is different
University brings together people from all walks of life, with different cultures, habits and schedules. Some flatmates might work part-time, some have early lectures and others may prefer quiet nights in over going out.
Be mindful of these differences. Use headphones when watching something late at night or let others sleep in after a night out. The beauty of university life is learning from each other, and it all starts with mutual respect.
- You don’t have to be best friends and that’s OK
Not every flatmate will become your closest friend, and that’s completely normal. As long as there is mutual respect, shared spaces are kept clean and communication remains open, that’s what really matters.
Friendships can grow naturally, but don’t force them. Sometimes being friendly without being inseparable creates a healthier flat dynamic. Spend time making friends on your course, join clubs, societies and sports teams to broaden your friendship pool.
- Prevent arguments with a cleaning rota
Few things cause more tension than dirty dishes and overflowing bins. Avoid these classic student disagreements by creating a cleaning rota at the start of each term. Rotate tasks weekly so that one person does bins, another handles the kitchen and someone else hoovers the communal area. A WhatsApp chat or a simple whiteboard on the fridge is ideal for keeping track.
- Set up a WhatsApp group
Communication is key. Create a flat group chat early so you can quickly check in about things like:
• Visitors staying over
• Flat plans for the week
• Flat dinners or nights out
It’s also a great place to share memes, keep things light-hearted and build some flat camaraderie.
- Always check before having guests over
Everyone enjoys socialising, but it’s polite to check with your flatmates before inviting friends or partners to stay. It avoids surprises and gives people a chance to prepare or choose some quiet time elsewhere. A quick message like “Is it okay if my friend stays over this weekend?” goes a long way.
- Find little ways to build a positive flat culture
A harmonious flat isn’t just about avoiding conflict. It’s also about creating a friendly atmosphere. Try small gestures like:
• Organising the occasional flat dinner or movie night
• Leaving a friendly note if you’ve used the last of something
• Saying “good morning” and checking in after someone’s day
Small acts of kindness make shared living feel more like home.
- Handle conflicts calmly and maturely
If something is bothering you, such as noise or mess, don’t let it build up. Bring it up calmly and respectfully, ideally in person or in your group chat. Avoid passive-aggressive notes or gossip, as direct communication helps everyone feel heard and keeps the peace.
Final thoughts
Living with others is one of the best parts of university life. It teaches independence, empathy and teamwork. At Newcastle University, your flatmates may start as strangers, but with respect and clear communication, they could become some of your favourite people. Set boundaries early, keep things fair and remember that a little kindness goes a long way in making your flat feel like home.