Student Housing Tips: How to Choose Housemates You’ll Get Along With

By Student Cribs | April 16, 2025 | Reading Time: 7 minutes

Student house hunting season can be stressful but also exciting at the prospect of living with your friends. Once you have decided you want to live off – campus, the next question comes, who do you live with? While some people are blessed in first year to become instant best friends with their flat mates, others are not and therefore have had to look further afield. When considering potential housemates, here are five top tips for when choosing who to live with next year.

Should we talk about budget when choosing housemates?

Budget should be one of the first things you talk about when deciding who to live with, as it will shape everything from where you live to what kind of house you end up in. Some people are looking for the nicest house on the street whilst others are wanting something more affordable. Budget can also often determine location as generally lower budget student houses tend to be further away from campus. For some people living close to campus is a non – negotiable, potentially due to early morning sports, gym memberships or just wanting an extra hour in bed before a 9am lecture. Everyone has different financial situations, so being upfront early can save a lot of stress later.

Money can often be an awkward topic of conversation especially when everyone has a different budget, but it is essential to discuss budget before you even start to look at houses. If you are set on who you are living with, you have to conduct your house search at the lowest budget of the group, even if it means having to compromise on aesthetics.  It is also important to consider the differences between houses with bills included or without as this can add extra costs to your monthly payments.

Should I live with people who have similar interests?

Living with people who share a few interests can make your student housing experience a lot more enjoyable. When you’re spending a whole year under one roof, even small lifestyle differences can start to feel bigger. You don’t need to be identical, but having a few things in common can lead to a more cohesive living environment. Take nights out, for example. For some students, a night out is the highlight of their week; for others, it’s the last thing they want to do. Before agreeing to live with someone, it’s worth having an honest chat about where they stand on this. Some people find a happy middle ground, while others are more firmly on one side.

You don’t have to agree on everything—but what’s most important is mutual respect. If you prefer a quiet night and your housemate is out late regularly, will they come home quietly? Will they respect your need for sleep, especially before big deadlines or early lectures? Having these conversations early on can help set expectations and avoid conflict down the line.

Does cleanliness matter when choosing housemates?

Cleanliness might seem like a small thing at first, but when you’re sharing a house, it can become a major source of tension. If you and your housemates have different standards for what’s “clean,” it could lead to awkward conversations—or arguments—down the line.

University is often the first-time many people have lived independently. This can be obvious by the amount of pot – noodles in people’s cupboards and also the amount of fire alarms set off in freshers’ week. While people’s cooking skills can be improved, or at least are not your problem, their cleanliness levels definitely are. When deciding who to live with, take a few subtle glances at the state of their rooms, the levels of mess, the dust and anything such as old bowls or plates which belong in the kitchen. You also have to be realistic about the conditions you also live in, there is a difference between being messy and being dirty. If you know yourself to be messy, you have to unfortunately be upfront with this as for some housemates it can cause major problems. Alternatively, form an agreement that you will keep the common areas tidy, however behind the bedroom door the floordrobe can be in full force.

A good compromise? Set expectations early. If you know yourself to be a keen cleaner then be upfront with this information as you don’t want to be the one constantly nagging the rest of your house to clean. When discussing moving in with each other, talk about the idea of a cleaning rota and see the reactions of the group. Often people will be onboard with the idea as they have no issues with cleaning but will choose not to do it unless force. Also, cleaning rotas tend to create a nicer living environment for everyone as it means that you can walk around in socks rather than needing a protective croc in between your white socks and the mysterious floor grime.

What if I’m not sure I’ll get along with someone?

If you’re unsure about living with someone, that’s a sign you should pause and think carefully—because housemate harmony can make or break your student year. The group dynamic can make all the difference in creating a comfortable and enjoyable living environment for everyone involved. Remember, signing a tenancy agreement and committing to live together is a big decision—so it’s important to make choices that prioritise your own wellbeing.

Take time to really think about who you’re planning to live with. If you’re already sensing that you might struggle living with someone in the group, ask yourself whether this could impact your experience day-to-day. Honest conversations early on can help avoid stress later. It’s okay to put your own interests first—after all, this is your home too.

Once you’ve got the right group around you, we’re here to help you find the perfect place to call home. Explore our available properties here, and start your search for your next Student Crib.