How to handle difficult flatmates
By MAS Team
Moving into a new flat comes with a slew of questions. Most important? Finding the right squad to share your space. While your besties may be crack up in the halls, the perfect flattie is chock full of qualities that aren’t so obvious. Here’s who to avoid and how to deal with them if you can't.
Post-it Patrick
Post-it Patrick is never around, but his pass-agg ‘reminders’ are stuck on everything – from your toaster to your cat. Avoid post-it pettiness by setting up a flat group chat on apps like Messenger or WhatsApp. That way, you can keep communication calm, cool and collected. And if not, at least there’s emojis.
Oblivious Olivia
Oblivious Olivia just can’t take a hint. It’s bad enough that she helps herself to your pantry without asking. But hijacking your alone time with an impromptu guitar sesh? It’s too much. For peace of mind, set some ground rules with your flatties. Start with mutual respect and good things will follow.
Spendy Sam
It seemed like a good idea to put Spendy Sam in charge of the flat finances. After all, his dad is an accountant. But bills just aren’t adding up – and since when is toilet paper $30? Make sure everyone’s on top of expenses by opening a flat account with an EFTPOS card. Money in, money out, everyone wins.
Too lit Lauren
Remember sleep? Too lit Lauren doesn’t. Sure, she was always the ‘fun one’ in the halls. But lately it sounds like all of K-Road is partying in your living room. To avoid neighbours knocking and flatties talking, give everyone a heads up before a big night. Missed sleep and classes are no joke.
Pigsty Pete
You knew Pigsty Pete grew up on a farm, so you expected a can-do attitude. Instead, you got mud stains in the hall, dirty dishes and mouldy food in the fridge. Solve it with a cleaning roster, so everyone stays accountable for the space. As for dishes? Cut the excuses and just get ‘em done.
Remember, nobody’s perfect
There’s no recipe for the perfect flatmate, and you now know what not to do. But if you keep things clean, transparent and straight up – you’re halfway there. Oh, and pay rent on time. Always.
-
Share
You might also like
Overcoming procrastination: what if I just can’t get started?
Researchers at the Harvard Medical School recently called exercise and physical activity a "magic bullet" for the lifetime health benefits it creates.
Holidays at home
Now that exams are over, it’s time to make the most of a (hopefully) gloriously sunny summer. So from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South, here’s your holiday abroad – at home.
Good for the health of the people and the planet
We've come to realise that what is good for the environment is also good for health, and vice versa. Intensive care specialist David Galler argues the health sector has an important part to play in the current global health crisis and climate change.