University accommodation - sharing a room

hlibby08

Whats it like having a room mate? Its cheaper and i wonder if its worth it

Reply 1

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Original post

by hlibby08

Whats it like having a room mate? Its cheaper and i wonder if its worth it

Hey,

Great question! I think it does depend on the type of person you are as to whether you'd get along sharing a bedroom at university.

If you are an extraverted person or like making new friends then sharing a bedroom is a great way to make a new friend whilst saving some money too! It gives you someone to go through the experience of starting university with - which can be so much fun!

Alternatively, if you like time alone, or would prefer not to share your space, then opting for a single room is a good idea. Although it is more expensive, you would have guaranteed privacy, with flatmates only being a bedroom away!

I hope this helps a little

Katie (Civil Engineering student at Uni of Southampton)

Reply 2

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by hlibby08

Whats it like having a room mate? Its cheaper and i wonder if its worth it

Hey hey @hlibby08 , I hope you are good!! This is a great question and honestly speaking, I would say it really depends on the person and the situation. For some people, it is totally fine but for others it is their personal nightmare 😂.

I feel like a pros and cons list in this instance would be handy, so here you go:

Pros:

•

It is cheaper as you have asked, and so this is great financially

•

You will not be alone (kinda implied with the whole having a roommate of it all 😂) so this is nice especially in first year

•

You have built-in company if you are nervous about making friends

•

Can feel less intimidating than living totally solo

And I will say, I have had friends who ended up being best friends with their roommate and love it!

Cons:

•

There is zero guaranteed privacy

•

Possible different sleep schedules

•

Potential noise

•

Awkwardness if you have different living styles

•

You always have to accommodate the presence of another person

I will say, all of this is better when it is someone you get along with.

Things to consider:
Roommates tend to work better if you:

•

do not mind people in your space most of the time

•

can sleep with noise/lights

•

are okay not having alone time whenever you want

•

are good at communicating boundaries

They are harder if you:

•

prefer recharging by being alone

•

are a light sleeper

•

need quiet to study/sleep

•

get stressed when you cannot have full control of your space

Now, if you do decide to go for it, these things help massively:

•

clear rules set out immediately (noise, chores, guests, sleep)

•

headphones and eye masks are always lifesavers

•

separate storage so nothing gets mixed

•

agreeing on a rough routine

I promise you, the earlier you talk about this stuff, the less awkward it gets later.

Honestly, I will just say these things are always worth thinking it out throughout. I wish you all the best in your decision making 🙂

Ru
BCU Student rep.