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Living Together Scenarios

It's normal to come across new situations when living with a new group of people. Here are some common scenarios, and our advice on how best to deal with them.

When you first moved in, you usually ate dinner as a flat and had a laugh...

but now people have gone off in their own little groups. You are feeling a lonely. What do you do?


A student smiling in a group

It can be common for students to experience loneliness and feelings of isolation, especially if family and friends from school are far away.

Talk to others regularly, and try to make sure everyone feels welcome and included. Just because someone did not join a social event last time doesn’t mean this will always be the case.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support when you need it. And keep an eye out for anyone else who seems to be going through a rough time.

Why not cook a delicious dinner for everyone?

Keep an eye out for social events run by ResLife Ambassadors or Hall Reps. Away from your accommodation you can volunteer on campus or locally in Bath through the SU, make the most of technology to stay in touch with loved ones, and get involved in the University community – join a sports club or society through the SU.


You arrive home after a night out with mates...

You feel really tired but you’re starving! You have some food in the fridge that you could use to cook...


Cooking up a stir fry

Cooking is the most common cause of household fires, and most are easily preventable with the right precautions. Don’t start cooking if you’re tired or under the influence of alcohol!

Never leave cooking unattended. Keep fire doors closed and make sure hallways and exits are free from obstructions.

Why not snack on crisps or order a takeaway. You know you won’t be able to concentrate on the cooking – better not risk a fire.

Your ResLife Ambassadors will run events early in term about getting along with your neighbours, why not attend and listen to their ideas and experiences!


You’re trying to study for an exam in the morning...

but your flatmate has friends over and they’re playing music and messing around in the kitchen, being really loud. What do you do?


A student studying at a laptop

Communication is crucial! It’s always best to talk about any problems that arise. Study time is important in any student flat, and others should respect when someone has deadlines or exams.

Let your flatmates know when you have important course dates coming up, so they can avoid organising loud gatherings and give you the time you need to concentrate on doing your best.

Why not speak with your flatmate, and politely ask them to get their friends to keep the noise down. They should understand the importance of exams and the need for quiet study time.

If this keeps happening, you can always contact reslife@bath.ac.uk for help. Outside of office hours, our Accommodation Security Team will be on hand to help with any unwanted disturbances .


Your flatmate is stressed about their coursework.

They keep shutting themselves away in their room. What do you do?


A student hard at work on a laptop

Everyone gets stressed, anxious or depressed at times. These moments can be particularly challenging if you are living away from home for the first time.

Talk about your feelings with flatmates. Chances are that others are going through the same thing, and you can help each other out.

There are professional services on campus you can go to see for advice and support, so it’s always worth checking out this option if you are struggling.

Why not suggest that you study together on your coursework? Sometimes having a study buddy can make the learning easier, or bring them a cup of tea and see if they feel like chatting about the things that are bothering them. It might help them to talk.

There is an excellent peer mentor service on campus as well, where second year students from your course who can share their experience and knowledge.


Your flatmates invite you out for dinner...

but you don’t have enough money. What do you do?


Setting the table for dinner

Most students live on a budget. One of the best things you can do is to create your own budget sheet, showing when you’ll receive money and how much you spend.

There are lots of discounts offered to students – it’s worth researching what’s available in your local area, and shopping around for the best deal. Check out Totum for a student discount card, proof of age ID and campus life platform recommended by the National Union of Students is. You can also find discounts and offers to help save money at Unidays.

Why not politely decline (because you don’t like spending money you don’t have), and offer up an alternative idea? A household meal where everybody cook up a bit of food, is a great way to spend the evening.

Your ResLife Ambassadors will be running sessions on budgeting and money skills, which are perfect to prepare you for keeping a handle on your funds.


One of your flatmates recently split up with her partner, and you notice she’s been drinking heavily recently...

To make matters worse, she gets quite aggressive when drunk. Last night you noticed her crying and drinking a bottle of wine alone in her room. What do you do?


A female student looking upset and tired

Antisocial behaviour can be caused by alcohol or drugs, but it could also be due to someone struggling to cope.

The most important thing is to keep an eye out for each other, and be approachable. People might not always want to talk about their problems, but they usually find it comforting to know that someone who cares about them is there.

We have support services on campus which are here to help with situations like this, so you can always encourage friends and flat mates to seek out help.

Why not knock on her door and ask her if she’d like to talk? If you are worried about any of your housemates, let us know via livingsupport@bath.ac.uk.

Remember, we're here to help, whatever the problem.

If you have any questions or problems related to life in your University accommodation, you can talk to our team.