Student Accommodation Etiquette – The Ultimate Guide

6th January 2017 Chris Clark Accommodation Basics

Many of the most memorable moments at university are spent in student accommodation. From kitchen parties to game nights in hallways, student accommodation is the portal through which students are transported from their teen years to adulthood, with studying obviously playing a role!

However, beware unwashed dishes or loud music during study sessions! Below we look at student accommodation etiquette to delve into the world of rules that surround university life.

If shared student accommodation isn’t for you, check out urbanest’s student studios in London instead. Now, to the infographic!

Guide to Student Accommodation

Transcript: The Ultimate Guide To Student Accommodation Etiquette

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the minefield of exams are now in university. However, it is now time to enjoy the world of student accommodation!

Manners

When it comes to making friends with your new flatmates manners are key and we’ve got all the tips to help you mind those all-important p’s and q’s;

SAY HELLO

Don’t hide in your room when it’s time to meet your neighbours. Prop your door open to encourage passers-by to say hello.

RSVP IT

Accept all the social invitations you can so no-one thinks you’re an anti-social hermit. . .

DON’T BE RUDE

Avoid an awkward f-bomb, say please and thank you often. Direct your verbal attacks at exam season pressures.

Noise

This is a time when many become the hedonistic selves they couldn’t be under their parent’s roof. This means late nights, parties and a whole lot of noise . . .

KEEP IT DOWN!

Try to avoid being too loud. Yes, you’re having fun but the people trying to sleep aren’t.

NOISE NUISANCES

Keep noise to a minimum after 11pm.

VIVA LA FIESTA

If you plan on having a party invite your flatmates and inform them well in advance.

STUDY STRESS

Be courteous. Avoid making noise before exams and essay deadlines when people are trying to sleep.

SILENT NIGHT

If you’re a light sleeper, buy earplugs. No-one wants a flatmate constantly telling everyone to shushhhhh!

THE CUT OFF

Keep noise to a minimum after 11pm – you don’t want to disrupt anyone’s beauty sleep.

Food

The biggest love of all students: food. Late nights and 24-hour study sessions can result in rumbling stomachs. . .

LABEL CRAZY

Unmarked food in the freezer can become fair game. Write your name on anything special but don’t go mad; people will think you’re a little strange.

ROBIN HOOD

Just because people are rude enough to take your food doesn’t mean you should do the same – don’t steal food!

RATS, MICE, FLIES

Don’t leave food out in the open, cooked or uncooked. This can attract pests.

LIKES AND DISLIKES

Most importantly: what someone chooses to eat is their decision. Respect people’s food choices and keep your opinions to yourself!

The Kitchen

The kitchen causes the most arguments and upset at university, so make sure you follow the tips below.

SCRUB IT UP

Always remember to clean up after yourself! Crumbs, splashed oil and spilled sauces are no fun to come home to!

THE WIPE DOWN

Clean the surfaces after you’ve been cooking – crumbs, splashed oil and spilled sauces are no fun to come home to.

TEAM UP

If you share the chores then do your part to avoid fall-outs.

PONG OFF

Keep smelly food to a minimum and open the windows to air out the room when cooking.

The Etiquette Expert

By following these simple tips there’s no way you can fall prey to being accused of poor accommodation etiquette. Remember, a general rule of thumb whilst at university is to just do what you’ve always been told to: be nice, be considerate, and relax!

Chris Clark

Chris Clark

For more great posts from Urbanest about accommodation, London life, study tips and much more, visit the Student Journal.