The Student Room Group

Im so sick of my flatmates

I've made a post about this before but it's gotten worse. I have 3 flatmates who are international students, they always have other international students round and im sick of it. They're always in the kitchen drinking and playing music. I hate crowded areas so i skip meals so i don't have to be in that environment. I feel like this is completely unfair and shouldn't be allowed. Even if the international students aren't in there will be random students in the kitchen cooking. It's not even their flat. I've tried calling security and the flat porters but they haven't done anything. I don't know what to do im sick of it. I haven't been in the kitchen for 3 days because of them and i know my food is expiring. On top of that we have a bin rota, their day is before mine. They don't take out the bins so when it comes to my day it's always over flowing. When i tell my flatmates i don't want to take it out because it's not my rubbish they get mad at me. This leads me onto my next point, my other flatmates full on ignore me unless they want something. If i enter the kitchen they leave. If they're talking and i enter they go quiet. I feel like if i tell the international students to stop inviting people round I'll be hated by everyone in my flat. The other day i almost lost it and resulted to self harming because of everything going on. I have an appointment with the school's mental team next week but idk how that will help my flatmate situation. I just want to go back home to my family and leave this place forever but unfortunately im a first year.
Original post by Anonymous
I've made a post about this before but it's gotten worse. I have 3 flatmates who are international students, they always have other international students round and im sick of it. They're always in the kitchen drinking and playing music. I hate crowded areas so i skip meals so i don't have to be in that environment. I feel like this is completely unfair and shouldn't be allowed. Even if the international students aren't in there will be random students in the kitchen cooking. It's not even their flat. I've tried calling security and the flat porters but they haven't done anything. I don't know what to do im sick of it. I haven't been in the kitchen for 3 days because of them and i know my food is expiring. On top of that we have a bin rota, their day is before mine. They don't take out the bins so when it comes to my day it's always over flowing. When i tell my flatmates i don't want to take it out because it's not my rubbish they get mad at me. This leads me onto my next point, my other flatmates full on ignore me unless they want something. If i enter the kitchen they leave. If they're talking and i enter they go quiet. I feel like if i tell the international students to stop inviting people round I'll be hated by everyone in my flat. The other day i almost lost it and resulted to self harming because of everything going on. I have an appointment with the school's mental team next week but idk how that will help my flatmate situation. I just want to go back home to my family and leave this place forever but unfortunately im a first year.

1. Can't you prepare your meals when they aren't there? Do you have to cook your meals? Can't you just go in, get your food and eat it in your room?
2. Sorry to hear about the bin, that's them being nobs. Just don't do it and hopefully they will eventually do it?
3. Sorry to hear about your flatmates. I didn't get on with mine. Unfortunately it sounds like you have to grin and bear it. Just try and be polite and kind but you don't have to be friends with them- there are thousands of other students, I'm sure you can find people you can relax around.
4. Please don't self-harm, it becomes a bad habit. There are much better ways to get rid of stress like exercise or music etc.

Also, can't you move out?
(edited 4 years ago)
Reply 2
It is clear, at least from what you've said, that your flatmates are being a little unreasonable.

First of all I presume it is impossible to move out?

I would suggest you don't create more tension through confrontration. It might be easier, when it is their day to do the bins, to give a gentle reminder on the day for them to do so. I wouldn't worry about the fact that they "stop talking" when you enter. International students find it easier to socialise with their other nationals because of the cultural difference. It may help to be friendly and approachable - ask them if they want anything from the shop, ask them how they are etc - in this way you could perhaps create a bond with them which is lacking.

Regarding the loud music, it may help to ask them, not to stop, but just to tone it down and explain you have revision/ early morning lectures. Usually people are more responsive if you ask them to reduce rather than stop and explain a relatable reason.

I think it is reasonable that they bring friends over, but it becomes odd, in my view, when those friends cook all the time in your kitchen. I could understand once or twice, but on a regular basis, I too would find that annoying. This is perhaps something you could ask them just who they are and see where that takes you.
Reply 3
Original post by Johnny Tightlips
1. Can't you prepare your meals when they aren't there? Do you have to cook your meals? Can't you just go in, get your food and eat it in your room?
2. Sorry to hear about the bin, that's them being nobs. Just don't do it and hopefully they will eventually do it?
3. Sorry to hear about your flatmates. I didn't get on with mine. Unfortunately it sounds like you have to grin and bear it. Just try and be polite and kind but you don't have to be friends with them- there are thousands of other students, I'm sure you can find people you can relax around.
4. Please don't self-harm, it becomes a bad habit. There are much better ways to get rid of stress like exercise or music etc.


I do try and cook when they're not there but unfortunately school work and extracurricular work means I'm out until 7 or 9 depending on the day which is when they're usually in thr kitchen. I cook my meals myself and eat in my room. If there's extra i put in my fridge. I have tried going into the kitchen when they're there but there's usually at leasr 10 of them and it gives me anxiety. Id prefer not to be in a situation where im surround by a group of people talking a language i don't understand while watchjng my every movement. Thanks for thr advice though, I'll try listening to music to relax.
Original post by Anonymous
I do try and cook when they're not there but unfortunately school work and extracurricular work means I'm out until 7 or 9 depending on the day which is when they're usually in thr kitchen. I cook my meals myself and eat in my room. If there's extra i put in my fridge. I have tried going into the kitchen when they're there but there's usually at leasr 10 of them and it gives me anxiety. Id prefer not to be in a situation where im surround by a group of people talking a language i don't understand while watchjng my every movement. Thanks for thr advice though, I'll try listening to music to relax.

Yeah no worries. It's a tough situation, certainly it's not something that's your fault. Just have to be brave and carry on in spite of them. Always try and be kind though :smile:
Original post by Anonymous
I've made a post about this before but it's gotten worse. I have 3 flatmates who are international students, they always have other international students round and im sick of it. They're always in the kitchen drinking and playing music. I hate crowded areas so i skip meals so i don't have to be in that environment. I feel like this is completely unfair and shouldn't be allowed. Even if the international students aren't in there will be random students in the kitchen cooking. It's not even their flat. I've tried calling security and the flat porters but they haven't done anything. I don't know what to do im sick of it. I haven't been in the kitchen for 3 days because of them and i know my food is expiring. On top of that we have a bin rota, their day is before mine. They don't take out the bins so when it comes to my day it's always over flowing. When i tell my flatmates i don't want to take it out because it's not my rubbish they get mad at me. This leads me onto my next point, my other flatmates full on ignore me unless they want something. If i enter the kitchen they leave. If they're talking and i enter they go quiet. I feel like if i tell the international students to stop inviting people round I'll be hated by everyone in my flat. The other day i almost lost it and resulted to self harming because of everything going on. I have an appointment with the school's mental team next week but idk how that will help my flatmate situation. I just want to go back home to my family and leave this place forever but unfortunately im a first year.

Email your accommodation and your university. They will most likely offer you another accommodation or move you to another flat.
Reply 6
Original post by 0le
It is clear, at least from what you've said, that your flatmates are being a little unreasonable.

First of all I presume it is impossible to move out?

I would suggest you don't create more tension through confrontration. It might be easier, when it is their day to do the bins, to give a gentle reminder on the day for them to do so. I wouldn't worry about the fact that they "stop talking" when you enter. International students find it easier to socialise with their other nationals because of the cultural difference. It may help to be friendly and approachable - ask them if they want anything from the shop, ask them how they are etc - in this way you could perhaps create a bond with them which is lacking.

Regarding the loud music, it may help to ask them, not to stop, but just to tone it down and explain you have revision/ early morning lectures. Usually people are more responsive if you ask them to reduce rather than stop and explain a relatable reason.

I think it is reasonable that they bring friends over, but it becomes odd, in my view, when those friends cook all the time in your kitchen. I could understand once or twice, but on a regular basis, I too would find that annoying. This is perhaps something you could ask them just who they are and see where that takes you.

Sorry I just saw this. Thank you for your advice I will try and follow it. However it's not the international students that act weird around me it's the English speaking students. Sorry if i didn't make it clear. I think it has something to do with race since im the only person of colour in the flat but i dont want to make accusations like that.
Reply 7
Original post by emily_000
Email your accommodation and your university. They will most likely offer you another accommodation or move you to another flat.

I'll email them tomorrow, thanks.

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