Living in close quarters with flatmates or dormmates can be both exciting and challenging all at once. But by choosing shared living at University, you are opening doors and increasing the chances of being able to easily make friends at college.
Here are a few tips for getting on with your flatmates and learning the best ways to make friends at College.
1. Communicate openly and honestly
One of the keys to living harmoniously with your flatmates is to communicate openly and honestly with them. If there are any issues that are bothering you, it’s best to address them early on, rather than letting them fester. And it’s also important to be open to feedback and constructive criticism.
2. Set boundaries:
It’s important to establish clear boundaries with your flatmates, such as quiet hours, when it’s okay to have guests over, and what activities are acceptable in the shared living spaces. This can help to prevent conflicts and ensure that everyone feels comfortable in their own space.
3. Be respectful:
Treat your flatmates with respect, and be mindful of their needs and feelings. This means being considerate of the shared living spaces and taking care not to disturb them when they’re sleeping or studying.
4. Plan activities together:
One of the best ways to get to know your flatmates is to plan activities together. This can include cooking dinner together, watching a movie, or going out for a night on the town. It’s also a great way to bond and create shared memories.
5. Be yourself:
When you’re trying to make new friends, it’s important to be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not in order to impress others. People appreciate authenticity, and you’re more likely to make lasting connections with people who accept you for who you are.
6. Listen and show interest:
When you are trying to break the ice with new friends, it is important to listen to them and show interest in what they have to say. Ask questions, be friendly and engage in conversation. It will make them feel comfortable and show them that you are interested in getting to know them.
In conclusion, living with flatmates or dormmates in college can be an exciting opportunity to make new friends and bond over shared experiences. But it also requires a certain level of communication, boundaries, and respect to keep a positive and harmonious living environment.
By communicating openly and honestly, setting boundaries, being respectful, planning activities together, being yourself, and listening and showing interest, college students can build and maintain positive relationships with their flatmates and make new friends.
Remember that forming connections takes time and effort and it’s important to be patient, flexible, and understanding. With these practices, living with flatmates or dormmates can be a fun and memorable experience during your college years and could even lead you to make friends at college that last for life.