The Dos and Don’ts of Living in Halls in First Year

Moving into student halls for the first time is a big life milestone – it’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and a little chaotic all at once. From meeting new flatmates to learning how to live independently, there’s a lot to take in. To help you navigate your new living environment, we’ve put together a list of the key dos and don’ts of living in halls from students who’ve been there.

Do

1. Get to know your flatmates

Your flatmates are the first people you’ll share your uni experience with, so make the effort early. Whether it’s cooking dinner together, exploring the city, or just chatting over a cup of tea, those first few weeks are key for building friendships. Over time, your flatmates can become the people you rely on most for things like borrowing milk, walking home together after a night out, or helping each other through a stressful deadline week.

Read our tips for making friends in London to give you some ideas on how to break the ice.

2. Make a cleaning rota

Nobody wants to be that flat. A simple cleaning rota keeps things fair and stops small messes from turning into big arguments. Plus, it makes inspections (and living in general) way more pleasant.

Related: 8 Top Tips For Sharing a Kitchen.

3. Be respectful

Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has different routines and habits. Respect shared spaces, quiet hours, and each other’s privacy so that everyone can enjoy their uni experience.

4. Communicate

If something’s bothering you, speak up early. Whether it’s cleaning, noise, or fridge space, honest communication stops resentment from brewing and keeps everyone on the same page.

Read our solutions for the most common flatmate problems for more advice on handling awkward conversations.

5. Engage in activities

Participate in freshers week, join societies, go to welcome events, or explore what your accommodation has to offer. Getting involved is one of the easiest ways to make friends and feel part of the community. You’re only a first year once, so make the most of it!

Learn how to create a good work-life balance with our guide on how to get involved with university life while boosting your studies.

6. Take care of yourself

University life can be full-on. Remember to rest, eat well, move your body, and reach out for support if you’re struggling. Looking after your physical and mental health helps you enjoy uni to the fullest.

Discover more in our article: Mental Health for Students: Thriving amid University challenges.

7. Decorate your room

Make your space feel like home by adding photos, fairy lights, or plants. Just check what’s allowed before sticking anything to the walls! A cosy room can make a huge difference to making you feel more at home and settled.

Related: How to Decorate Your Uni Room Without Losing Your Deposit.

8. Get to know the building and flat rules

Find out where the laundry room is, how to collect parcels, and who to contact for maintenance. Understanding the setup early means fewer headaches later on. Also, get to know your official building rules, such as quiet times, whether you’re allowed guests to stay and what you can and can’t have in your room (candles are usually a big no!).

9. Get a TV license

If you plan on watching or streaming live TV or BBC iPlayer, you’ll need a TV licence – even if you’re using your laptop. It’s an easy thing to forget, but it’s legally required and could leave you with a big fine if you get caught without it.

10. Report maintenance issues early

Dripping tap? Faulty light? Report it ASAP. Maintenance teams can only fix what they know about, and getting issues sorted quickly keeps your space comfortable and safe.

11. Lock your door and windows when you’re out

Safety first. Even if you’re just popping down the hall, always lock up. Especially if you’re in a ground-floor flat, closing your windows when you go out is a must. It’s one of those small habits that can save you a lot of stress.

12. Budget for shared bills and subscriptions

If you share things like Netflix, loo roll, or cleaning supplies, agree on how you’ll split costs. It avoids awkward money conversations and keeps things transparent.

Related: How To Budget At University.

Don’t

13. Leave a mess

No one likes coming home to a dirty kitchen or overflowing bin. Clean as you go, and don’t be the person who leaves their dirty dishes in the sink. It’s basic courtesy and makes communal living smoother for everyone.

14. Steal food

It might seem harmless to pinch a splash of milk or a slice of bread, but it builds tension fast. Respect what’s not yours and label your stuff to avoid mix-ups if needed.

15. Don’t leave washing in machines

Laundry rooms are shared spaces, and there never seem to be quite enough machines to go around. Once your cycle’s finished, take your clothes out straight away so someone else can use it. Setting a timer on your phone is an easy way to stop yourself from forgetting about it.

Avoid turning all your clothes pink with our tips for doing laundry at uni.

16. Isolate yourself

It’s easy to retreat when you’re homesick or overwhelmed or naturally shy, but try not to shut yourself off. Hang out in the communal areas, suggest a film night, or explore campus – it makes a huge difference for your mental health and could lead to lifelong friendships.

17. Be the noisy neighbour

Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep, and everybody’s routine and sleep cycles are different. Living harmoniously in halls means being mindful of:

• Keeping music and conversations at reasonable levels, especially in corridors.
• Being considerate when returning from nights out.
• Avoiding noisy activities like hoovering during quiet hours.
• Communicating with flatmates about parties or gatherings in advance.

At urbanes, quiet hours typically run from 11pm or midnight until 8am, with some variations between Sunday to Thursday (often 11pm-7am) and Friday to Saturday nights (midnight-8am). During exam periods, these hours often extend to ensure everyone has the best environment for studying.

18. Take over the space

Don’t dominate the fridge, don’t leave your personal belongings all over shared spaces and don’t hog the shower at busy times. Shared means shared, so respect that other people live there too.

19. Have too many visitors

Friends staying over occasionally is fine, but constant guests can make others uncomfortable and make the space too cramped. Always ask your flatmates first and be mindful of shared space. If you’re in a studio flat, you have a bit more flexibility, but most halls require you to be with your guest at all times and don’t permit long-term visitors, so make sure to check the official rules.

At urbanest, we believe your home is your home, so guests are permitted whenever you like – with some conditions to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety. All overnight guests must be 17 years or older, you must be in residence at the same time as your guest, and they must adhere to building rules.

20. Be passive-aggressive

Sticky notes and sighs don’t solve problems. If something’s up, talk it out calmly to keep things respectful and, more importantly, keep the peace.

21. Leave it too late to organise second-year accommodation

It feels soon, but housing for next year gets snapped up quickly. Many students start house-hunting as early as late September or October of their first year. Make sure you have accommodation plans for second year in place before the start of January at the latest to avoid running out of options. This might seem early, but it gives you time to form friendship groups and carefully consider your options.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular second-year accommodation options:

• Private Student Accommodation (like urbanest) – Private student accommodation offers the independence of living on your own with the bonus of on-site support, premium facilities, and a ready-made community. Plus, you might be able to stay in your first-year room that you’ve already settled into, cutting out the stress of moving.
• Shared Houses and Flats – Many second-year students choose to rent a house or flat with friends for more freedom and flexibility. You’ll have control over where you live, who you live with, and how you manage the space – though it does mean taking responsibility for bills, cleaning, and communicating with landlords.
• Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) – PBSAs are designed specifically for students from all universities and year groups, offering modern rooms and facilities similar to halls but with more independence. They’re ideal if you want a social, student-focused environment while still enjoying a bit more space and privacy.

When deciding where to live, think about what matters most to you, whether it’s budget, the commute, or how much independence you’re ready for. Check whether rent includes bills, consider how close you’ll be to campus and friends, and think about whether you’d prefer on-site support or full autonomy. The best option is the one that fits your lifestyle and helps you feel settled, supported, and ready to thrive in second year.

For more help choosing which type is right for you, read our ultimate guide to student accommodation or check out our article on how to secure second-year accommodation.

Why consider urbanest for your second year?

Our properties offer the perfect stepping stone between first-year halls and full independence. You’ll keep the support and facilities you’ve come to rely on, while gaining more freedom and flexibility as you move into your second year. Our all-inclusive rent keeps life simple, with no unexpected bills or awkward group payments, and our diverse student community means you’ll stay connected through regular social events and activities. Each of our nine centrally-located London nests is thoughtfully designed for students, offering modern, high-quality spaces with excellent transport links. Get in touch with our team for more information or book your room using our online portal.

Living in halls during your first year is one of the best parts of university life. It’s where friendships form, independence grows, and memories are made. With a little respect, communication, and self-awareness, you’ll settle in quickly and make the most of your new home. And when the time comes to move on, you’ll be ready to take the next step with confidence – whether that’s a shared flat with friends or a second year at urbanest, where you can keep all the comfort and community you’ve come to love.