Messy roommate

That sounds so frustrating - sharing a space is tough, especially when you're both living differently.
It might help to have a chat with your roommate and explain how you're feeling. Try to keep it open and friendly- something like, “Hey, I’ve noticed the mess is starting to get a bit overwhelming, and since we’re both sharing the space, I was wondering if we could come up with something that works for both of us.” Sometimes people don’t realise how much it’s affecting others until it’s pointed out kindly.

If you’ve already tried speaking to them and things haven’t improved, it might be worth reaching out to your accommodation team for some advice. If you're in student halls, chances are they’ve dealt with similar situations before and will be able to help come to a solution!

Hope this helps (:


Emily
Official University of Strathclyde Rep

I am sorry you have had to deal with this, but I can see you have had excellent advice so far.

It can be a lot for students moving out for the first time and suddenly having to clean up after themselves, but you shouldn’t have to deal with their mess; it isn't your responsibility. Therefore, like the others have said, having a friendly chat sooner rather than later, otherwise it could start affecting your relationship. Preferably, when you are calm (I know this is easier said than done if their mess has been playing on your mind). You could start by checking in with them and seeing how they are doing, before explaining how their mess is impacting you, and setting some expectations and boundaries might be a good place to start.

I live in a student house myself and things that have really helped us to ensure everyone is pulling their weight are having a cleaning rota and taking it in turns to buy shared household items e.g., cleaning products, as a result we know whose turn it is next.

If your housemate is perhaps struggling with storage space, you could suggest they invest in a clothes rack or a cheap storage unit.

We also have an agreement to clean up after ourselves and keep the shared spaces tidy. We will politely remind each other if someone has forgotten to wash their dishes, etc. Of course, we help each other out when we are busy. Sometimes housemates need some gentle encouragement, but unfortunately, sometimes this doesn’t always work, so the advice you received about getting the accommodation provider involved would be good in this scenario. But fingers crossed it doesn't come to that!

Good luck, and I hope it all gets sorted out soon!

Lucy 😊