The Student Room Group

How can i change accom

I’ve just started my second year at uni (for context, I’m gay, which is important later). I decided to go back into accommodation because it was really fun last year, and I expected the same, but this time I’ve ended up with a lot of very religious and conservative international students who mostly keep to themselves. I feel like I don’t really fit in—especially since my first conversation with a flatmate was him asking me to remove my alcohol from the fridge because it makes his food haram, which I didn’t know, and Google doesn’t seem to know how either. Based on that, I feel like bringing guys back would also be awkward for me. So, I was wondering if it’s reasonable to ask for an accommodation change because of this. (Most of them seem really nice, but I’ll be going out drinking and bringing guys back, so I’d rather move somewhere with people who also go out.)

Reply 1

All you can do is contact your Accommodation office and ask, but a switch does not seem unreasonable.
Original post
by Anonymous
I’ve just started my second year at uni (for context, I’m gay, which is important later). I decided to go back into accommodation because it was really fun last year, and I expected the same, but this time I’ve ended up with a lot of very religious and conservative international students who mostly keep to themselves. I feel like I don’t really fit in—especially since my first conversation with a flatmate was him asking me to remove my alcohol from the fridge because it makes his food haram, which I didn’t know, and Google doesn’t seem to know how either. Based on that, I feel like bringing guys back would also be awkward for me. So, I was wondering if it’s reasonable to ask for an accommodation change because of this. (Most of them seem really nice, but I’ll be going out drinking and bringing guys back, so I’d rather move somewhere with people who also go out.)

Hi there,

The best thing to do is to get in touch with the accommodation team via email or come down to the reception and have a chat about that. They might be able to move you to a different room.

Take care,
Ilya :smile:
Cyber Security student at De Montfort University

Reply 3

Original post
by Anonymous
I’ve just started my second year at uni (for context, I’m gay, which is important later). I decided to go back into accommodation because it was really fun last year, and I expected the same, but this time I’ve ended up with a lot of very religious and conservative international students who mostly keep to themselves. I feel like I don’t really fit in—especially since my first conversation with a flatmate was him asking me to remove my alcohol from the fridge because it makes his food haram, which I didn’t know, and Google doesn’t seem to know how either. Based on that, I feel like bringing guys back would also be awkward for me. So, I was wondering if it’s reasonable to ask for an accommodation change because of this. (Most of them seem really nice, but I’ll be going out drinking and bringing guys back, so I’d rather move somewhere with people who also go out.)

Muslims can't consume alcohol but stating it is forbidden to have alcohol in a separate container in the fridge seems a bit of an extreme interpretation.

Sounds like you are better off out of there.

Reply 4

Original post
by Anonymous
I’ve just started my second year at uni (for context, I’m gay, which is important later). I decided to go back into accommodation because it was really fun last year, and I expected the same, but this time I’ve ended up with a lot of very religious and conservative international students who mostly keep to themselves. I feel like I don’t really fit in—especially since my first conversation with a flatmate was him asking me to remove my alcohol from the fridge because it makes his food haram, which I didn’t know, and Google doesn’t seem to know how either. Based on that, I feel like bringing guys back would also be awkward for me. So, I was wondering if it’s reasonable to ask for an accommodation change because of this. (Most of them seem really nice, but I’ll be going out drinking and bringing guys back, so I’d rather move somewhere with people who also go out.)

Hey @Anonymous !

Thank you for being very open and honest. Just like the other responses have stated, it is definitely a reasonable ask. You are acknowledging your different lifestyles, which is absolutely okay. I believe if you speak to your Accommodation office, they will be able to assist you.

In the meantime, before the move, I would advise just co-existing but still feeling at home. So this is through continuing your politeness and being amicable. As well as just setting gentle boundaries without confrontation.

I really hope this was helpful. If you need any more help, feel free to ask!

Ru
BCU student rep.

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