By
Halls
Posted 2 days ago
Fri 29 Aug, 2025 10:08 AM
Moving into a shared flat – whether it's your first time away from home or your second-year home – is exciting, but it also comes with its challenges.
Everyone has different routines, habits and expectations. Without ground rules, small things can quickly become big issues. That's where a Flatmate Agreement comes in.
Think of it as a set of shared aims for your shared space, a simple document you create together that makes living together easier for everyone. Not only will this document help everyone in the flat, it's great to use for any new flatmates and future you too.
Why you should have one
- Avoid misunderstandings: stop confusions around chores, noise or shared spaces.
- Keep things fair: everyone knows what's expected of them.
- Prevent tension: issues can be solved before they turn into large flat disputes.
- Helps you settle in: you can focus on enjoying your new home than worrying about little things like who's taking the bins out.
What it will/you should cover
Here are some of the major topics you should touch on when it comes to deciding on an agreement.
- Shared areas: how kitchens, bathrooms and lounges should be used and looked after.
- Cleaning: a rota or system so all the work doesn't fall on one person.
- Rubbish and recycling: who takes it out, and when.
- Storage space: making sure everyone has room for their food and essentials.
- Guests: agreeing how often and when it's OK to have people over.
- Noise: respecting each others schedules, especially during late nights or exam time.
- Bills and supplies: how you'll split costs for things like toilet roll, washing up liquid, or Netflix.
Try to cover as many topics you think could cause arguments or tension. Once you all sit down together, this is the perfect opportunity to dive into living expectations and all the details – so make the most of it. This is a great way to start communicating well with each other, so keep this line open. These learnings should help handle any future issues respectfully and maturely.
Make sure to attend the subwarden (student halls team) led events in your first few weeks of arriving at halls too, where they'll help you set this up and get started.
Where to find support if you need it
Tried a Flatmate Agreement but need further support? There are lots of people you can reach out to if you need a helping hand.
1. Your Accommodation Team
Your hall will have a team of students (subwardens) and staff (wardens) who are there to help when you need it, they'll be your first port of call!
2. Your Halls Wellbeing Team
You can contact the wellbeing team via online form or call them on 0800 058 4100. You can fill out the form at any time, or give them a ring Monday to Friday, 6pm - 8am. The wellbeing number is also available 24 hours a day on weekends.
Needing wellbeing support immediately out of hours? Contact our partners Spectrum.Life on 0808 189 01 03, who are here for you whether you're dealing with stress, relationship problems and more.
3. Peer Supporters
Some issues are better discussed with fellow students who have been there, done that. You'll have peer supporters based in your hall, so if you'd prefer to talk to someone who has experienced university life definitely seek them out as they can offer valuable advice.
The Students' Union can support you with free advice and support on your housing and flat issues, and signpost you to other services too if needed.
5. External Services
If you want to look for wellbeing support outside of your accommodation and the universities, there's lots of great external options too.
Before you access further support, try and resolve the issues with each other if possible. The best agreements are made by talking openly and making compromises.
A Flatmate Agreement doesn't have to be complicated, even a simple list can do the job. What matters most is that everyone feels included and clear about what is expected.
