Having a roommate is something that many coming to the UK will experience and it’s an opportunity to make a friendship that will last a lifetime.  As much as sharing space with your new buddy is about fun, it is also important to make sure you are respectful and easy to live with. Read our top tips below to make sure you make a great first impression and live peacefully with your new roommate.

1. Be Approachable and Open:  Nothing will help to start off a new friendship like taking an interest in your roommate; take time to get to know him/her and concentrate on the things you have in common instead of differences between you.

2. If You Need to Do Something – Do it Together:  Need to clean the room, do laundry, go to the shops or decorate your new living area; why not do it together?  That is one of the main benefits of having a roommate after all; to make even mundane tasks fun!

3. Respect Space and Quiet Time: You and your roommate should have your own personal space which should be respected and kept free of the other person’s belongings.  Similarly, if there are times when your roommate particularly needs peace and quiet be sure to either give them the room or do your own thing.  If this means watching something on your laptop/ listening to music remember to wear headphones or if you are taking a phone call doing it in another room.

4. Have Good Personal Hygiene: Always good to remember this one whether you have a roommate or not!  There is nothing worse than sharing space with someone who lacks good basic personal hygiene.  For the record that means regular showers, deodorant, brushing your teeth twice a day (at least), keeping your dirty clothes in a dedicated basket, doing washing regularly, making sure what you’re wearing is clean and not leaving rubbish lying around.  But we are sure you knew that already!

5. Be Flexible But Firm:  Living with someone is a two-way street meaning if you are respectful enough to do the above for your roommate they should offer you the same courtesy.  If you need to tell them about something they are doing that annoys you – do so in a kind way, maybe after mentioning something you really like about living with them.  However, make sure that you are not a pushover and do not have your requests dismissed easily.  This is the perfect time to learn to be flexible and how to come to a compromise, valuable skills for the rest of your life.  If you have a problem with your roommate consider how important the issue is to both of you and how to meet somewhere in the middle.

If you’re still struggling with your room, speak to your houseparent or contact Study Links for further support: studentservices@studylinks.com