​Decide how the utility, rent and other bills are paid on time.

Cleaning levels. Make it a rule to clean up after yourself. When will the communal laundry – t-towels/hand towels/bath mats be washed? When you check-in you will find a suggested simple 4 week cleaning/task rota on your house notice-board. Alternatively, if you find it difficult to keep to a rota and this causes arguments, your group could splurge out on a cleaning service for common areas e.g. bath and shower room(s); kitchen, including appliances; stairs; hall and lounge. Be specific about frequency and sharing cost. We do not endorse or take referral fees from cleaning companies, however students have said, ‘Done and Dusted’ 077 5999 2053 (Claire) OR 079 7415 6539 (Hannah) email: clairemccarthycleaning@gmail.com has done a good cleaning job in the past.

When to wash up, wipe down surfaces or where to hang washing.

Decide whether everyone, including visitors, removes outdoor shoes when entering the house – means less cleaning!

How to share amenities e.g. fridge/freezer, storage, cooking, bathroom etc. Who uses what cupboard in the kitchen and what shelf in the fridge/freezer? If food is rotting in the fridge, how do you deal with it? 

Agree not to cut anything, place hot pans or hot cups of drink directly onto kitchen work surfaces, tables or other surfaces. 

Respect personal space and belongings. When a bedroom door is closed, knock if it’s important. 

Agree a re-cycling policy. Wheelie bins will overflow if you throw everything away as rubbish! Who puts the bins out for collection?

Distractions - you may wish to decide on set “Quiet hours” when you want to sleep or study. Avoid excessive noise whilst others are asleep. Be considerate about loud music. Be understanding of routines and cultural differences.

Create a house kitty for e.g. replacing light bulbs, weed killer, toilet and kitchen rolls, cling film, hand wash and cleaning products. 

Do group fun things e.g. one meal a week where one person cooks for the group. Treat it as a ‘Come Dine With Me’ experience!