How To Make The Most Out Of Shared Spaces

When you’ve lived with family most of your life, you may think shared student facilities will be a walk in the park for you. However, unlike your family, your fellow house or hostel mates and yourself may not know each other well enough to understand one another, which can make sharing a space a bit difficult. But fear not, in this article, we will talk about good housemates – how to be them and how to work with them in an effort to make your shared space and facilities benefit you more.

Keep Comms Open And Kind

It is important to note that in shared spaces, you may be exposed to people who come from different upbringings, and each of you has some learning and unlearning to do. Ensure that you communicate about keeping your space clean and taken care of, setting out the times for certain tasks, etc… Communicating does not mean leaving passive-aggressive sticky notes, sending them catty messages on the group chat, or glaring at someone until they ask you what’s wrong. If something’s bothering you, be polite but honest and specific about what’s happening.

Set Some Expectations

Start by discussing how you and your housemates or hostel mates plan to share the area in the beginning. Be aware of people's unique demands that may not align with your own and attempt to meet them halfway (or, if possible, satisfy them).

Do not, for instance, blast RuPaul's Drag Race at top volume through your speakers at 1:00 in the morning if your housemate next door has to wake up at 6:30 am every day for an early lesson. You don't have to sleep at the same time as them, but you can be kind and anticipate that they will when you do. Talking about these things in the beginning gets everyone on the same page and gives you something to refer to if there are any issues later on.

Clean Up After Yourself

We know a lot of student accommodation facilities have dedicated staff on the premises who ensure the space is always clean, but it would be great if you and your housemates made it slightly easier for those who are doing the cleaning. Wipe down counters and the stove after cooking, ensure the bathroom is as clean as you found it by the time you are done with it, and be cognisant of littering. Creating these habits will not only help you keep your space clean but also showcase a level of cleanliness and empathy towards others. Both great qualities to have.

Be Considerate When Entertaining

Although you should be considerate of other people's needs, your home should be a place where you feel welcome to host friends and visitors. If you're having guests over and you believe you could be disruptive, check with your roommates and floormates first. Some individuals prefer quiet time, and having a lot of people around may be upsetting for them. By letting people know how you live, you offer them the opportunity to locate other living arrangements if necessary (as opposed to making them feel ejected) and demonstrate your concern for their feelings.

Consider Building Relationships

Although you won't necessarily be spending a lot of time with your house or hostel mates, it's worthwhile to get to know them. Make time once in a while to talk, go out to eat, study, or go to a house gathering. Communication is made simpler, and the living environment is made more pleasant when you have a good relationship with your roommates.

Finding The Home

If you are looking for affordable student accommodation in Cape Town, look no further. Study & Stay is here for you. At Study & Stay, you can enjoy comfortable living while sharing top-class facilities like the kitchen and bathroom tended to and taken care of by our dedicated staff. Wifi and security? We’ve got you. Shuttle to Stadio campuses for your classes? Say no more. At Study & Stay, we believe in giving our residents comfort, convenience, and courage through our facilities as well as information sharing. So, come see us today and find out how you can not only be a great housemate but where to find some. See you soon.