A Guide to Living Harmoniously with Roommates and Neighbors

Student Housing Etiquette: A Guide to Living Harmoniously with Roommates and Neighbors

Living in student housing is a unique experience. It offers a chance to make new friends, learn about different cultures, and gain independence. However, living with others, especially in shared spaces like dorms, apartments, or houses, requires a certain level of respect and consideration. Good student housing etiquette is essential for fostering a peaceful and enjoyable living environment. Whether you're a freshman just starting or a seasoned upperclassman, here are some essential tips on how to live harmoniously with roommates and neighbors.

 1. Respect Shared Spaces
In student housing, shared spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas are where you'll spend a lot of time. It's important to respect these spaces by keeping them clean and tidy.

- Clean Up After Yourself: After using the kitchen or bathroom, make sure you leave it as you found it. Wipe down counters, clean dishes, and take out trash promptly.
- Personal Items: Be mindful of leaving personal items in shared spaces. If you’re using the living room or kitchen, make sure your belongings don’t clutter the area, making it difficult for others to enjoy.
- Be Considerate with Noise: Shared spaces often mean multiple people trying to use them at once. Be aware of noise levels, whether it’s talking loudly, playing music, or watching TV.

2. Communicate Clearly with Your Roommates

Effective communication is key to any roommate relationship. Make sure to establish clear expectations early on and address any issues as they arise.

- Set Boundaries: It’s crucial to discuss personal space and privacy with your roommates. Whether it’s agreeing on when guests can visit or setting limits on sharing food, these conversations help avoid misunderstandings.
- Respect Quiet Hours: Many student housing facilities have designated quiet hours, especially during exam periods. If you’re planning to study or sleep, be considerate of others’ schedules.
- Handle Conflicts Maturely: Disagreements happen, but addressing them calmly and respectfully will keep things from escalating. Avoid passive-aggressive behavior and be open to compromise.

3. Be Mindful of Guests
Inviting friends over is part of the fun of student life, but it's important to be considerate of your roommates and neighbors when doing so.

- Give Notice: Always let your roommates know in advance if you’re planning to have guests over, especially if they’ll be staying overnight.
- Limit Noise: Parties and gatherings can be fun, but make sure they don’t disrupt others. Be mindful of the noise level, particularly late at night or early in the morning.
- Respect Privacy: Your guests should respect your roommates' space as much as you would expect your roommates to respect yours. This includes not entering other people's rooms without permission.

4. Be Considerate of Neighbors

Living in student housing often means being close to other students who may have different schedules and lifestyles. Being a good neighbor goes a long way in fostering a sense of community.

- Noise Control: Whether you're blasting music or having a conversation with friends, be aware of how sound travels. If you’re staying up late to study or socialize, keep the noise to a minimum.
- Respect Parking and Common Areas: If your building has shared parking or lounge areas, make sure you're following the rules. This includes parking in designated spots and keeping common spaces clean.
- Be Friendly but Respectful: A quick hello in the hallway or a smile in the elevator can go a long way. Just remember, not everyone wants to chat or socialize constantly. Be polite, but respect people’s personal space.

5. Be Conscious of Cleaning Responsibilities

Cleaning duties are often shared among roommates, so it's essential to stay on top of them.

- Create a Cleaning Schedule: Setting up a rotating cleaning schedule helps ensure that the responsibilities are shared equally. This can help prevent misunderstandings about who is responsible for certain chores.
- Don’t Leave Dirty Dishes: One of the most common roommate complaints is about dirty dishes left in the sink. Make it a habit to clean up after every meal to avoid conflict.
- Take Care of Your Own Space: While shared spaces require cooperation, it's also essential to maintain your own room. Keeping your personal space organized can help keep the entire living area more pleasant.

6. Maintain Respectful Bathroom Etiquette
Bathrooms can sometimes be a source of tension in shared living situations. Here are some simple ways to keep things running smoothly.

- Share Responsibly: If you're sharing a bathroom with multiple people, try to be quick and efficient. Avoid hogging the bathroom for long periods, especially during peak times.
- Clean Up After Yourself: Make sure to wipe down the sink after use, remove hair from the shower drain, and make sure no water is left splashed on the floor.
- Be Considerate of Bathroom Supplies: Keep track of your own toiletries and replace things like toilet paper when they run out. It’s a small but impactful way to show consideration for your roommates.

7. Be Mindful of Shared Bills

In most student housing situations, utilities and rent are split between roommates. Managing shared finances respectfully is an important aspect of good housing etiquette.

- Pay Your Share on Time: Make sure you’re paying your portion of the rent and utilities on time. Late payments can create tension and disrupt your living situation.
- Discuss Expenses Openly: Be transparent about any additional costs, like household supplies, and discuss how you will handle these expenses.

8. Respect Quiet Hours and Study Time

Student housing often caters to individuals who need to balance schoolwork with a social life. Keeping noise levels down and respecting others' study time can help everyone succeed academically.

- Set Study Zones: If your apartment or dorm has a common area where people gather, make sure to designate some areas for quiet study time.
- Honor Quiet Hours: Many student residences implement quiet hours, particularly during exams or late-night study sessions. Always check the rules and be respectful of these times.

Living in student housing can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires a level of consideration and respect for those around you. By following simple housing etiquette guidelines—communicating with your roommates, keeping shared spaces tidy, and being mindful of noise and privacy—you can help ensure that everyone has a positive experience. After all, creating a peaceful living environment benefits everyone and allows you to enjoy all the opportunities student housing has to offer.


Happy living!

Why Cheap Student Rent Isn’t Always the Steal You Think It Is

When you're a student, cheap rent can feel like the holy grail.

€350 rent per month? Yes, please.
More money for travel, coffee, late-night souvlaki? Even better.

But here’s the truth no one really tells you:


Sometimes, cheap rent costs you more than you save.
In time. In energy. In mental health. In missed experiences.

Let’s break down why “cheap” isn’t always a good deal—and what to consider before you jump on that budget-friendly flat.


1. You’ll Pay in Commute Time (and Sanity)

Let’s say your dream apartment is €80 cheaper—but it’s 45 minutes away from campus.

That’s 1.5 hours every day.
7.5 hours a week.
  Almost a full workday—gone.

Time you could’ve spent studying, socializing, sleeping, or just chilling.
Instead, you're memorizing metro schedules and racing to catch the last train.

💡 Pro tip: Always factor in commute time. Time is a currency too.


2. You’ll Miss Out on the “Drop By” Lifestyle

There’s something magical about spontaneous student life:

  • Random coffee dates after class

  • Group dinners that start with “hey, you around?”

  • Study sessions that turn into pizza nights

If you live far away, you start saying no. Not because you want to—but because it’s too much effort.

Slowly, the spontaneous stuff—the fun stuff—fades.


3. You Might Spend More Anyway

Cheap rent feels like a win… until the hidden costs pile up.

  • Daily transport

  • Occasional Ubers or taxis when you miss the last metro

  • Eating out more because you're not around to cook at home

  • The "loneliness tax" of needing to constantly go elsewhere for a social life

Add it all up, and that €80/month saving? Gone.


4. Living Far Can Be… Lonely

This one hits hard.

If you’re far from your classmates, friends, or the main student areas, your apartment might start to feel like a bubble.

No one drops by. You don’t go out as much.
The city feels less like your home and more like a place you visit.

And loneliness, especially during study abroad or university years, can creep in fast.


5. The Vibe Matters More Than You Think

Even if the rent is great, ask yourself:

  • Is the neighborhood safe and walkable?

  • Are there cafes, markets, or life nearby?

  • Are other students around, or are you surrounded by retirees and office workers?

A cheap place in a dead zone might be quiet… but it might also be too quiet.

You want to feel part of it. Not like you’re watching from the sidelines.


So… Should You Skip Cheap Rent Altogether?

Not at all.

Affordable housing is important—especially for students. But cheap shouldn't mean isolated, inconvenient, or miserable.

The sweet spot?
✅ Reasonable rent
✅ Walkable or well-connected
✅ Close to your uni and social life
✅ A neighborhood you feel good in

Because at the end of the day, your student years aren’t just about saving money.
They’re about experiences, friendships, late-night adventures, and belonging.

And sometimes, that’s worth a little extra.
 

Another important factor to consider, are having the bills included or not. Some may think it is cheaper...


Having bills included in rent is a major win for students—and here’s why:

1. One Less Thing to Worry About

As a student, you’re already juggling assignments, exams, and probably a part-time job. The last thing you need is to remember when to pay your electricity bill or keep track of your water usage.

When bills are included, it’s one less task to add to your already full plate. You pay your rent, and that’s it. No stress about fluctuating utility costs, deadlines, or surprise fees.


2. Predictable Monthly Costs

Budgeting is hard enough without unexpected expenses. If your rent is €400 but utilities add up to €80 in the winter months, suddenly you’re paying €480. But with bills included, you know exactly what you’re paying every month.

That predictability can make managing your finances much easier and prevent those “I spent how much on electricity last month?!” moments.


3. Avoiding Utility Price Surprises

Utility costs can fluctuate depending on the season—heating in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, and even just the overall energy consumption. This can make your monthly bills unpredictable. With bills included, you avoid the headache of rising prices and energy-saving guilt trips.

No more adjusting your lifestyle just to avoid a crazy energy bill at the end of the month. It’s just one fixed cost, and you can plan around it.


4. More Freedom to Live Comfortably

When bills are included, you don’t have to feel guilty about turning on the heat or cranking up the AC during a heatwave. You can focus on being comfortable in your living space without stressing about energy conservation every time you flick on a light.

This makes it easier to feel at home—especially when you're living away from home for the first time.


5. Easier for Students Living in Shared Accommodation

In shared flats, utility bills can lead to awkward situations: who used the most water? Did someone leave the lights on all night? If you’re sharing a flat with others, splitting utilities can lead to disagreements or confusion over who owes what.

With bills included, it’s a hassle-free setup. Everyone pays their share of rent, and there’s no need to chase down your flatmates for their portion of the electricity bill at the end of the month.


6. It Can Be a Bargain

In some cases, bills are included in the rent as part of a flat or apartment that’s priced slightly higher than average. But when you calculate the overall savings—especially in areas with high utility costs—it can actually work out as a better deal than renting a cheap place with no bills included. You avoid those extra fees and the mental effort of managing multiple payments.


7. Peace of Mind for International Students

For international students, having bills included is a game-changer. The last thing you want to do in a new country is deal with the complexities of setting up utility accounts, understanding local tariffs, or navigating unfamiliar payment systems.

With all bills covered, you can settle in without worrying about whether or not your water or electricity is about to get cut off for non-payment.


Conclusion

Overall, having bills included in rent is like having a little extra peace of mind in the chaos of student life. It simplifies budgeting, reduces stress, and gives you more time and energy to focus on your studies, social life, and everything else that makes the student experience memorable.

So next time you’re house-hunting, don’t just look at the rent price—consider the full package with all bills included. It could be the hassle-free, stress-free choice you never knew you needed!