The dos and don'ts of living in halls

For many, living in halls is one of the most fun and exciting parts of attending university. But it's important to remember that, while you may be living independently for the first time, you're not living alone. You'll be staying in a shared space and you'll have flatmates and neighbours to consider. Understanding how to be a cohesive and unproblematic housemate will save you a lot of trouble down the line and make the co-living experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Don't worry. Armed with this list of flatmate dos and don'ts, you'll find living in halls a breeze.

Do: get to know your flatmates

Living in halls is one of the best ways to meet people and make new friends. While it's unlikely that you'll get on with absolutely everyone, being friendly with your flatmates is always a good idea.

Your first day will probably be a bit overwhelming as you're settling into a completely new space and meeting so many new people. But there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier.

First, bring a doorstop with you and prop your door open as soon as you arrive. That way, any of your neighbours can pop their heads in and say hello as they arrive. Don't be embarrassed if your parents are still there or you're unpacking - everyone is doing the same thing on the first day. You can also bring some sweets or drinks with you and offer them to your flatmates as a way to break the ice.

On the first night, it might also be a nice idea to suggest either cooking together or getting a communal takeaway. That way, you can get to know each other as you eat. We'd also recommend bringing some playing cards with you or learning some drinking games. Even if you don't like to drink, you can still get involved in the games with a soft drink and start getting to know your flatmates.

Don't: be the messy housemate

You'll soon find out that at university everyone has different expectations when it comes to cleanliness. But even if you don't mind a sink full of three-day-old, food-encrusted washing up, the chances are someone in your flat will. Try to make sure you're cleaning up after yourself in communal spaces. It doesn't have to be anything too intense, just don't leave your washing up in the sink, take the bin out when it's full, and give the surfaces a wipe down after you cook. That will help avoid any tension or petty squabbles between you and your new flatmates.

Do: set up a cleaning rota

When living in halls, there will always be some flatmates who shoulder the burden of cleaning and some who just ride on their coattails. This can quickly become frustrating. Setting up a cleaning rota for the most common chores, including taking the bins out, hoovering, mopping, and wiping surfaces, can help to avoid any disputes. You can print out the chart and stick it on your fridge so everyone can see it. That way, it's easy to stay accountable.

Don't: bring prized possessions into the communal space

Accidents happen. The reality of living in halls is that things will get lost or broken. That's why it's not a good idea to bring anything too valuable or meaningful into the communal space. If you'll be devastated if it smashes, maybe keep your favourite mug in your room. You can buy cheap essentials from a range of retailers, which are ideal for use in halls.

Do: do be respectful of others

When you're living in halls, you owe your flatmates a basic amount of respect. After all, you'd expect the same from them. This doesn't mean you can't relax or make halls feel like home. You just need to be considerate and aware of other people's feelings.

There are a few steps you can take to achieve this. First, try not to blast music or be too noisy late at night, particularly if you haven't given anyone a heads-up. You don't know what kind of commitments your flatmates have in the morning. Next, don't use other people's belongings without asking first. Sharing is perfectly normal when living in halls, but make sure the other parties know before you help yourself to their milk or start using their wok.

Don't: be passive aggressive

No one wants to find a passive-aggressive post-it note on the full bin or wake up to find their flatmate has aired their grievances on the group chat while everyone was asleep. This only leads to resentment and awkwardness. If something is upsetting you, try to have open and honest conversations with the people involved. You'll come to a resolution much faster if you just ask that flatmate to do their washing up, rather than moving everything in the sink onto the dining room table.

Do: start a group chat

When you first move into halls, one of the best things you can do is start a group chat with your flatmates. As well as using it for logistical things and planning nights out, it's also another great way to get to know each other better. Perfect if you're slightly more shy in person. Plus, you can come up with a great group chat name!

Living in halls is a unique and exciting experience. The friends you make in your flat may well be some of your best friends for life. Try to enjoy your time in halls and make living together the best it can be for everyone. If you're still worried, check out our blog on what to expect from Freshers' Week.