Flatmate conflict- strange cooking habits and strong smells
A flatmate of mine in uni halls has some rather strange cooking habits but it is creating a serious issue. This flatmate only eats and slow cooks strong smelling, large quantities of meats multiple times a day, every day. There is no variation in the food he eats, only meats are consumed. This has been going on since September 2024.
Unfortunately, this makes the entire flat smell of meats. The smell goes into all our rooms and clings to our personal belongings.
We have tried things to make the smell of meat less strong like opening all kitchen windows when meats are being cooked and getting an air freshener for the kitchen. However, it’s not enough to stop the smell reaching our rooms. We have to keep our windows open, but it’s not ideal as it’s the middle of winter, and people are getting sick as a result.
This isn’t something we want to keep having to deal with, especially as term will continue for another 6 months.
We have tried contacting the accommodation support team at uni to explain the issue and have an open discussion with the whole flat and this flatmate. However, this flatmate does not deal well through verbal communication, and ignores people knocking on their door.
Any tips on getting through to this flatmate/ dealing with this situation would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
Unfortunately, this makes the entire flat smell of meats. The smell goes into all our rooms and clings to our personal belongings.
We have tried things to make the smell of meat less strong like opening all kitchen windows when meats are being cooked and getting an air freshener for the kitchen. However, it’s not enough to stop the smell reaching our rooms. We have to keep our windows open, but it’s not ideal as it’s the middle of winter, and people are getting sick as a result.
This isn’t something we want to keep having to deal with, especially as term will continue for another 6 months.
We have tried contacting the accommodation support team at uni to explain the issue and have an open discussion with the whole flat and this flatmate. However, this flatmate does not deal well through verbal communication, and ignores people knocking on their door.
Any tips on getting through to this flatmate/ dealing with this situation would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
Original post by Anonymous
A flatmate of mine in uni halls has some rather strange cooking habits but it is creating a serious issue. This flatmate only eats and slow cooks strong smelling, large quantities of meats multiple times a day, every day. There is no variation in the food he eats, only meats are consumed. This has been going on since September 2024.
Unfortunately, this makes the entire flat smell of meats. The smell goes into all our rooms and clings to our personal belongings.
We have tried things to make the smell of meat less strong like opening all kitchen windows when meats are being cooked and getting an air freshener for the kitchen. However, it’s not enough to stop the smell reaching our rooms. We have to keep our windows open, but it’s not ideal as it’s the middle of winter, and people are getting sick as a result.
This isn’t something we want to keep having to deal with, especially as term will continue for another 6 months.
We have tried contacting the accommodation support team at uni to explain the issue and have an open discussion with the whole flat and this flatmate. However, this flatmate does not deal well through verbal communication, and ignores people knocking on their door.
Any tips on getting through to this flatmate/ dealing with this situation would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
Unfortunately, this makes the entire flat smell of meats. The smell goes into all our rooms and clings to our personal belongings.
We have tried things to make the smell of meat less strong like opening all kitchen windows when meats are being cooked and getting an air freshener for the kitchen. However, it’s not enough to stop the smell reaching our rooms. We have to keep our windows open, but it’s not ideal as it’s the middle of winter, and people are getting sick as a result.
This isn’t something we want to keep having to deal with, especially as term will continue for another 6 months.
We have tried contacting the accommodation support team at uni to explain the issue and have an open discussion with the whole flat and this flatmate. However, this flatmate does not deal well through verbal communication, and ignores people knocking on their door.
Any tips on getting through to this flatmate/ dealing with this situation would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
Hi @Anonymous#1,
Dealing with this situation requires a respectful and strategic approach. Since verbal communication hasn’t worked, try writing a polite note or letter to your flatmate. Clearly explain how the strong smell of meat affects everyone in the flat and suggest changes, such as cooking smaller portions, using lids, or ventilating more actively.
If this doesn’t help, involve the accommodation support team for mediation. They can facilitate a formal discussion or send a written request to the flatmate on behalf of the flat. You could also propose flat rules, like limited cooking hours or mandatory use of extractor fans.
Consider technical solutions, such as using air purifiers or odour absorbing products like charcoal bags or baking soda, to minimize the smell. If the problem persists, escalate the issue with the accommodation team and request alternative arrangements, such as relocating the flatmate or yourself. Hope this helps.
Ethan (Product Design Engineering)
Original post by Anonymous
A flatmate of mine in uni halls has some rather strange cooking habits but it is creating a serious issue. This flatmate only eats and slow cooks strong smelling, large quantities of meats multiple times a day, every day. There is no variation in the food he eats, only meats are consumed. This has been going on since September 2024.
Unfortunately, this makes the entire flat smell of meats. The smell goes into all our rooms and clings to our personal belongings.
We have tried things to make the smell of meat less strong like opening all kitchen windows when meats are being cooked and getting an air freshener for the kitchen. However, it’s not enough to stop the smell reaching our rooms. We have to keep our windows open, but it’s not ideal as it’s the middle of winter, and people are getting sick as a result.
This isn’t something we want to keep having to deal with, especially as term will continue for another 6 months.
We have tried contacting the accommodation support team at uni to explain the issue and have an open discussion with the whole flat and this flatmate. However, this flatmate does not deal well through verbal communication, and ignores people knocking on their door.
Any tips on getting through to this flatmate/ dealing with this situation would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
Unfortunately, this makes the entire flat smell of meats. The smell goes into all our rooms and clings to our personal belongings.
We have tried things to make the smell of meat less strong like opening all kitchen windows when meats are being cooked and getting an air freshener for the kitchen. However, it’s not enough to stop the smell reaching our rooms. We have to keep our windows open, but it’s not ideal as it’s the middle of winter, and people are getting sick as a result.
This isn’t something we want to keep having to deal with, especially as term will continue for another 6 months.
We have tried contacting the accommodation support team at uni to explain the issue and have an open discussion with the whole flat and this flatmate. However, this flatmate does not deal well through verbal communication, and ignores people knocking on their door.
Any tips on getting through to this flatmate/ dealing with this situation would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
Hi there,
This sounds like a tricky situation and it is important that everyone feels at home in your flat.
If it is hard to get hold of them, try sending them a message if you have their social media/number or like has been suggested, write a letter and put it under your door. Explain why you are asking them to co-operate as this way they are more likely to try and sort it out if they know you are being friendly about the situation.
If they feel like it is a friendly approach, they will likely be more co-operative. Try not to all approach them at once - maybe one person could write the letter/message them so they don't feel like they are being ganged up on?
It sounds like you could sort a solution for this - make it clear that you are not stopping them cooking, but maybe they could limit how often they do it and they could batch cook instead? Or just make sure they are always opening the windows and cleaning well after.
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Original post by Anonymous
A flatmate of mine in uni halls has some rather strange cooking habits but it is creating a serious issue. This flatmate only eats and slow cooks strong smelling, large quantities of meats multiple times a day, every day. There is no variation in the food he eats, only meats are consumed. This has been going on since September 2024.
Unfortunately, this makes the entire flat smell of meats. The smell goes into all our rooms and clings to our personal belongings.
We have tried things to make the smell of meat less strong like opening all kitchen windows when meats are being cooked and getting an air freshener for the kitchen. However, it’s not enough to stop the smell reaching our rooms. We have to keep our windows open, but it’s not ideal as it’s the middle of winter, and people are getting sick as a result.
This isn’t something we want to keep having to deal with, especially as term will continue for another 6 months.
We have tried contacting the accommodation support team at uni to explain the issue and have an open discussion with the whole flat and this flatmate. However, this flatmate does not deal well through verbal communication, and ignores people knocking on their door.
Any tips on getting through to this flatmate/ dealing with this situation would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
Unfortunately, this makes the entire flat smell of meats. The smell goes into all our rooms and clings to our personal belongings.
We have tried things to make the smell of meat less strong like opening all kitchen windows when meats are being cooked and getting an air freshener for the kitchen. However, it’s not enough to stop the smell reaching our rooms. We have to keep our windows open, but it’s not ideal as it’s the middle of winter, and people are getting sick as a result.
This isn’t something we want to keep having to deal with, especially as term will continue for another 6 months.
We have tried contacting the accommodation support team at uni to explain the issue and have an open discussion with the whole flat and this flatmate. However, this flatmate does not deal well through verbal communication, and ignores people knocking on their door.
Any tips on getting through to this flatmate/ dealing with this situation would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
Hi
Sorry to hear about what you are experiencing with your University accommodation, I would advise that you speak again with your accommodation providers to let them know the issue, they will hopefully be able to best support you. If nothing more comes of it, you could also speak to your personal tutor and they could raise an issue on your behalf as well.
I hope this helps,
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps
Original post by Anonymous
A flatmate of mine in uni halls has some rather strange cooking habits but it is creating a serious issue. This flatmate only eats and slow cooks strong smelling, large quantities of meats multiple times a day, every day. There is no variation in the food he eats, only meats are consumed. This has been going on since September 2024.
Unfortunately, this makes the entire flat smell of meats. The smell goes into all our rooms and clings to our personal belongings.
We have tried things to make the smell of meat less strong like opening all kitchen windows when meats are being cooked and getting an air freshener for the kitchen. However, it’s not enough to stop the smell reaching our rooms. We have to keep our windows open, but it’s not ideal as it’s the middle of winter, and people are getting sick as a result.
This isn’t something we want to keep having to deal with, especially as term will continue for another 6 months.
We have tried contacting the accommodation support team at uni to explain the issue and have an open discussion with the whole flat and this flatmate. However, this flatmate does not deal well through verbal communication, and ignores people knocking on their door.
Any tips on getting through to this flatmate/ dealing with this situation would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
Unfortunately, this makes the entire flat smell of meats. The smell goes into all our rooms and clings to our personal belongings.
We have tried things to make the smell of meat less strong like opening all kitchen windows when meats are being cooked and getting an air freshener for the kitchen. However, it’s not enough to stop the smell reaching our rooms. We have to keep our windows open, but it’s not ideal as it’s the middle of winter, and people are getting sick as a result.
This isn’t something we want to keep having to deal with, especially as term will continue for another 6 months.
We have tried contacting the accommodation support team at uni to explain the issue and have an open discussion with the whole flat and this flatmate. However, this flatmate does not deal well through verbal communication, and ignores people knocking on their door.
Any tips on getting through to this flatmate/ dealing with this situation would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
Hi there,
This seems like a tricky situation. Well done for trying to have a discussion with them. As that didn't work, have you tried posting a letter to them under the door or dropping them a message if you have them on social media? Like you said, this isn't about stopping them cooking, so writing them a respectful message and suggesting what they could do whilst cooking to stop smelling the flat out. It isn't fair on everyone else in the flat to be living in a flat that constantly smells, so if the written message doesn't work out then again contacting the accommodation team. There should be something they can do whether that is them contacting your flat mate or moving flats.
Hope this helps and you're issue is resolved as soon as possible,
^Zac 🙂
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