What NOT to Do in Your Student Room

Moving to a new place away from home is adventurous indeed, yet a bit confusing, to be honest. We've got you covered. Getting used to your new university life will happen, but gradually, so be patient. Whether you’ve chosen to live on a self-contained studio or an en-suite room in a shared flat, there are some things to consider NOT doing while living in a student room.

1. Randomize Household Chores

Living in a student room is quite different from living with your family. Keep in mind that your flatmate is as unsure as you are about what to do. Initiate an open conversation about who will be responsible for the essential chores, like cleaning, cooking, paying bills, buying groceries, and the sort. Creating a schedule for household chores is the best way to go! Also, deciding on timings for using shared facilities separately is recommended if your flatmate agrees. Even if you're in a private room and you live on your own, have a clear plan with the days you're doing laundry, cooking, and cleaning. 

Bonus Tips: Choose a building that has laundry as one of its many facilities to avoid the hassle of finding one. 

2. Ignore Creating a Budget

Don't waste money on personal needs and transportations only. Always remember that your home has its essentials — cleaning tools, bedsheets, bedding and bathroom packs, hangers, toilet papers, etc. you must keep a separate budget for these things. Plan a student housing budget with your flatmates and divide the cost on the numbers of residents. If you're in a private studio, plan the budget over the weeks every month.

3. Misunderstand Your Flatmates Culture

One of the challenges you’re going to face is learning how to deal with all sorts of people who come from different countries and having different cultures altogether. Try to consider living in a student room as a new opportunity to come across different cultures. Most likely your flatmates won't be from the same country as you’re, so keep your mind open to their food, culture, traditions, and distinct ways of expressing themselves. Traditional cuisines create a misunderstanding when living in a student home, and to fix this, learn to cook their traditional meals or you all cook together. It might even be a good idea to celebrate their festivals as a way of showing tolerance and acceptance. Even if you're living in a private room, you'll still share the communal areas with your flatmates. Using the communal kitchen for group-cooking is a great approach to interact with like-minded students, have fun, and learn more about different cultures, cuisines and even languages. Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.

4. Invade Your Flatmate’s Personal Space

It is a common blunder to forget about privacy while living with someone, especially if you grew a solid friendship. To avoid being annoying, try to keep your phone conversations private and if your flatmate is on the phone, give them their space. If you think about hosting someone or one of your friends is coming over, make sure to let your flatmate know beforehand. Always knock, do not steal their food or groceries from the fridge (use labels, if needed), and make sure you have your own towels, bedsheets and the sort. Make sure you're not giving up on your own personal space as well. It all comes down to knowing your duties, obligations, and limits.