How to create a positive yet conducive living atmosphere

Living in a hall is part of an exciting university experience, this is the place where you will meet other peers beyond the classrooms and university activities. Being a great hallmate will not only enhance everyone’s living experience, but it is also a good way of developing essential adulting skills. Here are some good etiquette for being a great hallmate and making the most of hall life:

Maintaining communal spaces with care ✨

Shared places such as the kitchen and the common room are for everyone’s use. Clean your dishes, dispose of any trash and wipe off any mess you created so that the next person can use the facilities pleasantly. Since university life is busy, it is easy to forget food left in the fridge. To prevent unpleasant odour or food contamination, check and throw away spoiled food. Don’t forget to label your food so that other people will not accidentally take your food.

Pay attention to quiet hour 🤫

Whether it’s conversation in the corridor, music or any other noise created, it is important to control the noise level during quiet hours (11 pm to 8 am). People might have different sleeping and study schedules. If you keep your voice low, it will help your neighbour to have uninterrupted sleep.

Be friendly 😊

One of the joys of living in a hall is meeting new people. You might bump into different people every day, no matter when you are in the kitchen, in the lift or at the entrance. Say Hi to your hallmates with a big smile and exchange contact information if it feels right. You will find out what common interests you share and develop friendships. Further invite them for dinner, study sessions, a pool game or even a table tennis match.

Embrace diversity 👋

Your hallmates might come from very different social, academic and cultural backgrounds, so it is important to be open-minded. Respect everyone’s diverse background and address any misunderstandings through open communication. To make everyone feel comfortable, try to avoid talking about sensitive issues in your conversation. 

Let’s be considerate hallmates and create a positive yet conducive living atmosphere together.

Written by Zhi Yen Ong

Resident in Bankside House