Although for most of us our flatmates will become our extended family there are lots of instances where flatmates don't always see eye-to-eye and disputes do happen. We want to try and prevent that and resolve things, because it's not great to fall out with people you're living with, but it does happen and here's how to help things.
Disputes over cleaning. If you're lucky enough to have your flat cleaned you're living the life of luxury... Heck! I don't even know if you count as a student with that standard of living! However, if you aren't one of the lucky ones you may find that you begin to fall out with your flatmates over who takes what share of the workload.
One of the ways to get by this is to make a cleaning rota. I know it sounds super stupid but making a rota means that everyone is given equal responsibility of the mess and therefore has equal blamed. You also know who hasn't done their jobs when they were supposed to. You could all sit down together to discuss which jobs needs to be done & how often, then draw up a table together to make sure everyone has their share of the work.
However, this doesn't always work for everyone. My flatmates hid the rota I carefully perfected, and I haven't seen it ever again... Thanks guys. (Yes I was that one annoying flatmate, but I like organisation!)
Disputes over boundaries & expectations. When we first moved in we drew up an agreement between ourselves that outlined the boundaries we wanted to have as a flat (this was part of the student mentoring scheme). It included things such as when we could have people over & what to do if someone was causing disruptions or irritation. This was really helpful as it made sure we were all on the same page, it might be an idea to discuss matters like this between your flatmates, you don't have to write it down because that was actually really awkward, but being altogether and in agreement helps things. Which leads me onto my third point...
Communication. If something is upsetting you, you cannot assume or expect your flatmates to know that. In fact, keeping something bottled up is only more likely to turn it into a much larger problem than it originally was. You are going to have to live with these guys for a year! If there is something which you need to discuss with them, do so! Make sure that you are considerate of others feelings whilst doing so, but make sure that your voice is being heard, whilst listening to others too. You will probably find that this solves problems at a much earlier stage than if you were to just keep it bottled up.
Finally, if you really are struggling with your flatmates and no resolutions seem to be happening it's likely that you may have to speak to your university. Your student union most likely offers guidance on this subject and will be able to offer you extra help in ensuring that your living situation is more pleasant. Don't feel like you are being a burden by doing this, especially as it is likely to lead to a happier resolution as well as a more content home life for yourself and your flatmates!
Good luck! Xx
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