UK

The art of sharing a flat

By team ⋅ March 29, 2008 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

The Guardian, 4 March

How to be a student: find out who’s going to be sharing your soap before it’s too late. The flatmate of your dreams can be the complete opposite to the woman or man of your dreams. Someone who takes care over their appearance, has a lively social life, and cooks incredible dishes for visitors may be a great date, but as a flatmate will spend endless hours in the bathroom, run up massive phone bills, and accumulate piles of plates in the sink.

Whatever you do, make sure you know what you’re signing up to and always get to know who’s sharing the flat. Chances are the one who misses the meeting is busy practicing the drums or polishing their guns.

It’s a good idea to sort out stuff like bills from the word go. Remember that most conversations will get back to cleaning and rent, so share responsibility and know exactly what you’re supposed to be paying. Having a kitty is usually a great idea, but get a heads up about what everyone thinks are ‘essential communal items’. Some will say Flash and air freshener; others, kidney beans and condoms. You will soon know everything about your flatmates, from how often their mum rings to what they sing in the shower. Even their eating habits, musical tastes and sexual practices will become part of your life, whether you like it or not. Make sure you all agree on the meaning of clean.

Finally, if you get down about anything, it’s always better to chat – calmly – than to write sarcastic notes, bang the walls, and take up heavy sighing. And remember that at least you all have a common enemy – the landlord.