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The essentials of shared living
Co-creating a space where everyone feels comfortable, safe and valued
Independent living at University is about more than just managing your own time— it’s about co-creating a space where everyone feels comfortable, safe and valued.
Living with flatmates is incredibly rewarding, but it does require a balance of communication, compromise and mutual respect.
Being a great community member boils down to a few simple habits:
- being mindful of shared spaces
- keeping communication lines open
- respecting each other’s boundaries
Here we cover the essentials of shared living—from managing noise and cleanliness to resolving disagreements—so you can make the most of your time in halls.
Getting involved and building community
Getting involved in events is a great way to meet people, feel more at home, and build a sense of community in halls and beyond.
Res Life events are designed to be relaxed, inclusive, and beginner-friendly - whether you want to try something new or just meet others in your building.
There’s no pressure to attend everything - even going along to one event can make a difference.
Getting involved in small ways can help you build friendships, feel more confident, and make halls feel like home.
You might also choose to get involved in:
- Student events - hosted by Student Services, and other University departments to help you feel part of the wider community
- Student societies and sports clubs - a great way to meet people with shared interests
- Course and academic events - connect with classmates and build study support networks
Communal living
Simple tips to help you and your flatmates live together comfortably.
Respecting others
- Be mindful of noise, especially late at night and early in the morning
- Respect shared spaces — kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas belong to everyone
- Communicate openly and kindly with your flatmates
- Be respectful of different cultures, religions, and lifestyles
Shared kitchens
- Label your food and store it in your designated space
- Wash up promptly and wipe down surfaces after cooking
- Report any maintenance issues (e.g. broken appliances) to your halls team
- Agree a cleaning rota with your flatmates early in the year
Kitchen hygiene
Quick, simple habits to keep your kitchen clean, safe, and shared-friendly.
- Wash your hands (before cooking, after raw meat, after the bin)
- Tie back long hair
- Don’t cook if you’re unwell
- Use separate chopping boards (meat / veg / cooked food)
- Wipe surfaces before and after use
- Clean spills straight away
- Fridge: below 5°C | Freezer: –18°C
- Raw meat goes at the bottom of the fridge in sealed containers
- Don’t leave food out for more than two hours
- Keep leftovers in sealed containers
- Don’t reuse knives for raw and cooked food
- Change tea towels regularly
- Clean sponges and cloths
- Regularly empty and clean bins
- Cook meat thoroughly (no pink, juices clear)
- Reheat leftovers once only
- Always heat food until piping hot
- Never pour oil down the sink
- Let oil cool before handling
- Store in sealed containers and dispose in general waste
- Never add water to hot oil
- Use a lid or fire blanket if oil catches fire
Managing conflict
Disagreements can happen. If an issue arises, try to resolve it early before it escalates.
- Talk it through - a calm, honest conversation is often the most effective first step.
- Flatmate agreements - consider setting expectations early (noise, guests, cleaning) to avoid misunderstandings.
- Mediation - if you’re unable to resolve things yourselves, Res Life can offer mediation support.
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process to help you reach an agreement.
What is mediation?
A confidential, voluntary conversation with a trained neutral person from the Res Life team. Not about blame — about communication, understanding, and finding solutions together.
It can help with:
- noise, cleaning, or kitchen disputes
- tension or miscommunication between flatmates
- guest or lifestyle disagreements
- issues you feel uncomfortable raising alone
What happens in mediation?
You meet in a private space, each share your perspective, and work with the mediator to agree practical next steps. A written agreement is optional.
Mediation is not suitable for harassment, threats, aggression, safety concerns, or serious rule breaches — contact Res Life or Security immediately.
How can I request it?
Speak to your Res Life team, a Res Life ambassador or halls reception.
To find out more about mediation and how we can help with conflict resolution, take a look at our information about conduct and disputes.
Independent living in halls
Whether you’re getting used to doing your own laundry or managing your finances for the first time, we're here to help you do it safely, confidently, and respectfully.
Safety and maintenance in halls
Find important security and fire safety information for living in halls, as well as what to do if something in your room or shared area needs fixing.
Support in halls
Our Res Life team can offer help and advice if you're living in University halls. From wellbeing support to community events, we help you feel at home.
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