There are many challenges and firsts for those going off to college or university. There’s classes, there’s exams, there’s making new friends, there’s somehow getting work experience, and then, of course, there’s roommates. Even living on the same floor as others can be a challenge, especially if you need to share a communal area, like a bathroom, kitchen, or even just a common room. Knowing how to live in harmony with these other people can make your life much easier, and it can even lead to lifelong friendships.
This is a particular challenge if you are moving abroad. You can do everything right, find a great room in a Nottingham student accommodation from Almero Student Mansions. You can have the perfect home away from home, only to find out that your flat mates steal your milk. Thankfully, there are many ways that you can make the most of your time together:
- Know the Difference Between Disliking Someone and Disliking Their Habits
Most first year university or college students in particular won’t have the habits that your mother does. As such, they are likely to be dirty, messy, and otherwise just an explosion for your communal areas. If you are lucky your accommodation will come with a cleaning service, so at the very least someone will come in and “reset” your shared space every once in a while.
Being upset with someone because they don’t wash their dishes, or because they leave their hair in the shower, however, shouldn’t stop you from getting to know them. Not only could they be a great friend (just, not a potential housemate) they will also be more inclined to change their habits if their friend asks them to.
- Accept They Will Use Your Things
Your things will get used by the others that you live with, and that’s okay. Keep the items you really want safe in your room with you. Try to also start an open dialogue as soon as possible. So instead of someone using your milk because they need some for their tea, they’ll ask you or inform you ahead of time. You could even collectively agree to put money towards buying items like milk for everyone who uses the kitchen, so that the milk is for everyone.
- Hang Out with Them
Learning to be friends with people who you wouldn’t normally click with is a great learning experience. It is also how you can branch out and meet people in different courses.
- Do Your Part
Sometimes, it’s okay to wash a few extra dishes so that the flat will be clean. Doing your part doesn’t mean just cleaning what you use. It sometimes means going out of your way to help someone else out.
Living in harmony with others is a part of growing up. It means accepting that they are just learning too, and that getting angry isn’t the best solution. Instead, be understanding, and be communicative, at the very least you’ll practice how to handle challenges first-hand, which can help you later on in your career.
Photo by Element5 Digital
Mia Guerra
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