If you’re off to further education in September and it’s your first time away from home, you might be wondering if there are any golden rules for living with people that aren’t your family. Chances are you’ll be heading for student accommodation, a shared house, flat or apartment with other students or young professionals. Everyone wants to get along, make new mates and have an easy time of it – but how can help this to happen and not spend your term-times constantly at loggerheads with each other? Here are some tips for successful co-habiting:

1. Always seek permission before using something that doesn’t belong to you

This is the top golden rule of shared accommodation. It doesn’t matter what it is, always ask before you use something. There is no bigger gripe that housemates have than having personal items taken and used without permission. Whether it’s clothing, milk, stationery or toiletries – your relationship must be based on trust and respect. If there’s no trust, then there’s no respect either and you’re in for a bumpy year!

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2. Patience

Don’t expect amazing relationships to form overnight. If you don’t all gel straight away, don’t panic. Friendships take time to grow, just like flowers. Take time to chat and chill out together, engage in plenty of small talk and you could soon grow into life-long friends. We are all different and some people take longer to feel comfortable with others.

3. Respect is key

Respect is an important basis in any relationship. It means not treating people badly, not disturbing people at 3am, not making a mess for others to clean up and not taking things that don’t belong to you. It also means allowing people personal space and time, consulting with them about household decisions and generally be a reasonable and decent human being. Find top quality Gloucester student accommodation at http://studentaccommodationgloucester.co.uk/

4. Make an effort and be considerate

It never hurts to think of others. If you’re putting on a load of laundry and there’s only half a load, ask your housemates if they’ve got anything that needs washing. While you’re vacuuming your room, do the hall and their room too. If you’ve good too much, offer it around, don’t bin it. What goes around comes around and you should find those favours are reciprocated.

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5. Bond

Life is so much better when you not only rub along ok but enjoy spending time together. Try to do things together – whether it’s binge watching a TV show, cooking a meal or go shopping. It doesn’t matter what it is, just do stuff together and you’re sure to bond. You don’t have to become besties, but you’ll be pleased you’ve made the effort when you have a positive co-habiting experience.