Living in student accommodation is a great part of University life – but it doesn’t come without some challenges. It is important to remember it is normal to disagree and fall out. Everyone is different, with individual personalities, likes and dislikes.
Communication is the most important tool in your house or flat – be open to discussing tensions and finding solutions.
What's a Shared Living Agreement?
A Shared Living Agreement is a set of ‘rules’ that you, as a house or flat, have agreed to follow for the year to avoid any potential tensions and to get the most out of living with each other. The Shared Living Agreement includes preferences on how you are going to use the shared spaces, keep your accommodation clean and tidy, as well as general rules for living together and how you will resolve any conflict.
It is helpful to have these conversations early as it can be a great opportunity to get to know who you’re living with better and discuss your expectations. Coming to an agreement may mean making compromises, so make sure you are ready to make some sacrifices. It is important that everyone is comfortable living in their accommodation.
What should we discuss?
Your Shared Living Agreement will include the following questions:
- How are you going to maintain a good standard of cleanliness?
- Is it an individual’s responsibility or something you work together on. Do you need a rota?
- How do you want to use the communal areas?
- Can you leave personal belongings in communal areas?
- Do you want any shared amenities in your accommodation?
- How are you going to pay for these?
- If a housemate is vegan, how will you accommodate this?
- How often is it okay to have friends round?
- How do you want to resolve conflict?
There may be other areas you want to discuss that will be individual to your house or flat, these can also be included in your Shared Living Agreement.
How do we submit our Shared Living Agreement?
A member of our ResLife Operations team will visit your accommodation shortly after you arrive to talk about the Shared Living Agreement and answer any questions you may have. Once you have discussed your preferences for living together you can submit your Shared Living Agreement here.
A copy of this will be shared with the ResLife Operations team, who will keep a record of it to support you and your housemates.
Our top tips for living together
- Clean up after yourself
- Be respectful of other people’s belongings
- Share fridge/freezer and kitchen cupboard space fairly
- Don’t take other people’s food, it will always be noticed and is a sure way to annoy your housemates
- Be mindful if you are awake early or late
- If you have a problem, talk to your housemate – and not behind their back
Cleaning advice and top tips can be found here.
We're here for you
Starting life at University can come with new challenges. That’s why we’re here to help. There is plenty of support within our team, someone is always there and ready to talk. You can contact your ResLife Operations team here.
ResLife Operations
Your accommodation has a ResLife Operations team that is available to support with day to day living, maintenance enquiries and help with cleaning.
ResLife Ambassadors
Your accommodation will have ResLife Ambassadors to help you get the most out of living here. The ResLife Ambassadors are friendly faces to help with any queries or concerns you may have, as well as running social activities and making sure you’re aware of the latest events and updates.
The ResLife Ambassadors will regularly check-in with you and your flatmates via Microsoft Teams calls.
However, if you need help or advice with life in halls, you can schedule a one-to-one call with a ResLife Ambassadors at any time by contacting reslife@bath.ac.uk.