Tips

Have an honest conversation in week one about cleaning rotas, noise, guests, and shared expenses. Awkward now = smooth later. Write it down if you can.

Say it early and specific — 'the dishes have been in the sink for four days', not 'you never help'. A rota fixes most of this without anyone having to be the bad guy. If nothing changes, say it again. Quiet resentment helps nobody.

Give it 24 hours to cool off, then talk in person, not over text. Use 'I feel' not 'you always'. If you can't fix it, talk to your resident advisor or call home.

Headphones after 10pm, and a heads-up if you're having people round. Most noise rows are really about not being told. Keep it kind and early: 'I'm up at 7 tomorrow — can we keep it down after 11?'

Say it the first time, while it's still small. 'Hey, I'd rather you asked before using my things.' Not petty — it's the boundary that keeps a flat working. And don't help yourself to theirs either.

More common than anyone admits. Suggest something small — a cup of tea, a shop run, a walk. If it feels deliberate and ongoing, talk to a resident advisor or call home.

Ask. You don't have to fix it — just being there matters. If you're really worried, tell someone who can help.

Agree upfront if you have shared expenses and how they can work — use a shared expenses app to help. Never assume — always confirm! Money ruins friendships faster than almost anything else.