Can a couple people live in one student accommodation?
Living in student accommodation can be a great way to save money, make friends and experience a new city. But what happens when a couple decide to live together in one student accommodation? Is it possible? It depends on the accommodation type but there are plenty of options for shared student accommodation. If you live in uni accommodation or private halls, both residents will need to be students. However, it’s important to consider the challenges you might encounter while sharing space with another person. In this blog post we explore what practical considerations you need to take into account when making this decision.
The benefits
There are several benefits of living with a friend or partner in one student accommodation.
Firstly, it’s a very cost-effective living arrangement because you can live in the same space while paying less than you would if you were living on your own. This can be helpful if both you and your partner have a tight budget for student accommodation.
Another benefit of two people living in one accommodation is being able to share the cleaning and cooking duties. This can be particularly helpful during exam periods or when you’re busy writing essays as it means you can stay on top of your studies while balancing the chores between you and your roomate.
The Cons
Living with a partner in a small space can be intense. It’s important, therefore, to make time for your own separate hobbies and interests. You might go to sports practice or to meet up with friends on your own and then link back up at the end of the day. The key thing is to keep a balance between your living partner and the things you enjoy doing beyond that dynamic.
You are both responsible for the rent payments, even if you or your partner moves out. Both your names will be on the tenancy agreement so it’s likely you’ll have to continue paying for your shared room until the contract comes to an end.
How to make the most of your space
You can have the time of your life in shared student accommodation. You have independence, you can decide how you want the space to look, you can keep it clean and have friends to visit whenever you like. However, be prepared because living in a close proximity with someone can be difficult at times. Most rooms will not be prepared for two people to live in – is there enough wardrobe space and desk space for example?
Here we’ve put together some tips for making the most of your shared space.
Tips
If you have a problem you want to communicate, find a quiet moment to talk about it with your partner. It might be they were thinking the same thing, in which case you can discuss a way to resolve the issue. You know what they say? A problem shared is a problem halved.
Honesty is also crucial when you’re living with someone. It’s the best way to ensure you and your partner are on the same page. The key is to be straightforward, and transparent in your words and actions.
No one likes to be lumped with a pile of chores. The best way to avoid this is to share the load by taking turns and share the cleaning, cooking and laundry. If one person is cleaning the room more than the other person, resentment can build.
Compromise
When sharing student accommodation, sadly things won’t always go exactly the way you want them to.
Perhaps you have different ideas when it comes to the best time to study, or maybe you and your partner disagree about where to do the food shop. Whatever the issue is, you both have to learn to meet in the middle. This will help avoid any rows and make your shared living experience all the more enjoyable.
With careful planning and communication, it is possible to make a shared living arrangement work. The key things to remember are communication and consideration. Talk to your partner often and honestly to avoid any misunderstandings, and be considerate both of your own time and as a roommate.
For more information, you can contact our friendly team either by calling on +44 (0)333 050 0099 or find out more here
Posted on February 2, 2023