Five signs that you are actually the nightmare flatmate

Moving out of the house for uni can be the most exciting prospect ever, but living in a flat comes with its own responsibilities. The horror stories from living with new people can be outrageous – we’ve all had a nightmare flatmate at one point or another.

For those who haven’t, maybe it could be you… So if any of these examples are resonating with you, my advice would be: it’s never too late to change. And to your flatmates, I’m sending my prayers x

1. You never do any chores 

Is it really that difficult to put away a plate?

This isn’t Harry Potter where tasks can be sorted with the flick of a wand – though if you’re a serial chore-avoider then I bet your flatmates have wished they could stupefy you from time to time. Maybe mummy used to do it all at home, but that’s not how things work when you’re living like an adult. Take out the bins, clean the surfaces, just make sure to do your share of the household jobs – particularly if it’s your mess to start with. Time to put on your grown-up pants and pick up a scouring pad. The kitchen’s not going to clean itself… 

2. You have no concern for hygiene

Isn’t this appetising?

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You can be as messy as you like in your own space (I can barely see the floor in my room), but when you’re sharing it with others, then that’s a whole other ball game. And even worse than messy is dirty, whether that refers to you or your kitchen appliances. Another crime is depositing unspeakable excreta in the bathroom without flushing or Febreze… do I really have to say anything else? And take a shower for goodness sake, for everybody’s benefit x 

3. You’re waking people up at all hours

Simple request, simple solution x

Maybe you like blasting D&B on the speaker at 3am or your private activities are becoming a little too noisy… dare I continue? Don’t get me wrong, a shower karaoke sesh or bass-heavy flat party is so valid. But if you’re responsible for waking people up in the early hours ALL the time, then maybe you should think about investing in some headphones. Even more so at times like the night before someone’s exam. It’s all about striking a balance between the exuberance of uni life and consideration for others. It can be done, I promise. 

4. You’re a monetary nightmare 

It’s all smiles till someone scrans your bagels without asking

There’s so many ways you could be guilty of this. I know prices in Edinburgh are high, but that’s no excuse for you to not pay your bills. And those who are refusing to share stuff whilst secretly nicking from the others without asking – it’s just not on. Money’s always a difficult topic but that’s why it’s crucial to be respectful about it. If you take advantage of your flatmates, it might help your bank account but it certainly won’t help your friendships… 

5. You’re always nagging people 

Adding kisses doesn’t improve the tone babes xxx

Whilst you don’t want to be slacking on your flat responsibilities, you also don’t want to take the job too far. Sometimes people need to be asked to do something – life is busy and tasks can easily slip the mind – so a little nudge in the right direction isn’t always a bad thing. That being said, it’s all about what and how things are said; on the whole, angry messages to the group chat or passive aggressive fridge notes are not the most respected methods. Especially if the requests are unreasonable – no, Karen I’m not turning the lights off by eight – learn how to live a little x