Small Habits That Prevent Big Conflicts in Shared Living

Sharing a living space can be one of the most rewarding but also challenging parts of university life. It's no secret that cohabiting with others takes effort. Here are some low-effort, high-impact habits that can help prevent misunderstandings and foster a respectful, relaxed shared space:

1. Wash Up Straight After Eating

It may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how quickly dishes can pile up and tensions can rise. Washing your dishes as soon as you’re done eating prevents resentment from building and keeps shared spaces usable for everyone. If you’re short on time, even rinsing and stacking things neatly goes a long way.

2. Keep Communal Spaces Neutral

Try to be aware of how much of the kitchen or bathroom space you’re taking up. Are your pots and pans dominating the shared shelf? Or are your groceries hogging the fridge space? Keeping common areas neutral and uncluttered shows consideration and helps avoid passive-aggressive group messages. 

3. Respect Sleep and Study Schedules

 Noise is one of the most common sources of conflict in shared living. Using headphones after 10 pm or warning flatmates in advance about visitors or celebrations is a small gesture that signals respect and usually earns it in return.

4. Ask Before Borrowing

Even if you’ve seen your flatmate use that pot once in six months, it’s still theirs. Asking first avoids awkwardness and builds trust. The same goes for food items, yes, even if you are only using a bit of their milk.

5. Be mindful of your flatmates when inviting guests over

Let your flatmates know in advance if you’re having people over, and be mindful of how often you do and how loud you are. It is not nice to get a noise complaint from your flatmates because you were being too loud in the kitchen with your friends.

6. Own Up to Mistakes

Accidentally left the oven on? Used someone else's cutlery by mistake? It happens. A quick message or apology before the other person addresses it can prevent a small mishap from becoming a bigger issue. It shows maturity and makes it easier for others to do the same.

Living Together ≠ Thinking the Same

Everyone brings different habits, routines, and comfort levels into a shared space. The goal isn’t to be identical, but to build a rhythm that works for the group. That often starts with self-awareness and the willingness to make small changes.

At the end of the day, shared living is a skill, and it improves with small, consistent efforts. By building a few of these habits into your routine and always remembering to be respectful and considerate, you can help create a more peaceful, respectful, and even enjoyable flat dynamic.