Choosing who you’re going to live with is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your time at university. The right housemates can make your student home feel relaxed, fun, and supportive but the wrong ones can lead to stress, tension, and unnecessary drama.

Whether you’re thinking about moving in with friends you’ve already made, or you’re still figuring out who might be a good match, this guide will help you make the best decision for a happy and hassle-free year ahead.

Start with Yourself: What Do You Need in a Housemate?

Before you even think about who to live with, take a step back and think about how you like to live.

Are you someone who needs quiet in the evenings to study and unwind? Or do you enjoy a house with a more social atmosphere? Do you keep your space tidy, or are you more relaxed about cleaning? Being honest with yourself about your own habits will help you identify what kind of housemate is going to be a good match for you.

Living with Friends Isn’t Always the Best Fit

It’s easy to assume that your closest friends will make perfect housemates, but friendship and cohabitation are two different things.

Someone you love hanging out with at the pub might not be the person you want to share a kitchen or bathroom with every day. Be realistic about whether your lifestyles and routines are compatible. It’s okay to value a friendship but decide not to live together and sometimes, that’s exactly what helps keep the friendship strong.

Have the Important Conversations Early

It might feel awkward, but you’ll save yourself a lot of stress by having a few key chats before committing to a house.

Talk about things like:

  • How clean you like to keep your space.
  • Whether you’re happy to share food or kitchen equipment.
  • What time you usually go to bed or wake up.
  • Whether you’re likely to host guests often.
  • How you feel about splitting bills (if they’re not included).

If you’re moving into a Student Rooms 4 U property, you’ve already got one big issue covered…bills are included in the rent, and you’re on individual tenancies, so no one is chasing each other for payments. That takes a lot of pressure off from the start.

Set Expectations – Not Rules

Once you’ve got a group in mind, it’s helpful to agree on a few basic expectations early on. That might include taking turns cleaning communal spaces, checking with each other before having overnight guests, or simply respecting noise levels during exam season.

It doesn’t have to be strict or formal, just make sure everyone’s on the same page. The more open you are from the start, the fewer surprises you’ll run into later.

Think About Group Dynamics

When forming a group, it helps to keep the balance right. Too many dominant personalities can cause friction. Too few people willing to speak up can lead to unspoken tensions. You want a mix of people who are considerate, responsible, and open to compromise.

It’s also worth thinking about the number of people in the house. Larger groups can be more sociable and lively, but they also come with more personalities to manage. A smaller group might feel more peaceful and easier to coordinate. At Student Rooms 4 U, you can choose from houses of all sizes. So whether you’re a group of three or thirteen, there’s something to fit your dynamic.

Not Found Your Housemates Yet? You’re Not Alone

If you haven’t found your group yet, don’t panic. Loads of students book rooms individually in shared houses and meet their housemates when they move in. In fact, this is how many great friendships start.

If you’re considering booking on your own, you can rest easy knowing that Student Rooms 4 U houses are designed with students in mind and you’ll be living with others who are in the same position.

“SR4U have been the best student accommodation company I have used in my 3 years of university!”

Final Thoughts

Living with the right people can make all the difference to your university experience. When you find housemates who match your values, routines, and expectations, your home becomes more than just a place to sleep, it becomes a space where you can relax, study, and enjoy your student years to the fullest.

The key is to be honest about what you need, communicate clearly, and take the time to find the right fit. And when you’re ready to find the perfect place to live together, Student Rooms 4 U has a wide range of high-quality, all-inclusive homes just minutes from the University of Plymouth.

Start early, choose carefully, and you’ll be setting yourself up for a great year ahead.