Stories from Queen Mary students just like you

So you've made it through first year, you've figured out uni life and you're just about steady on your feet. Congratulations!

Time for flat hunting!!! 🎉🎉🥳😭🥳🎉🎉

This whirlwind time of year brings up a whole host of questions (for which you are welcome to meet with Housing Services for direct support), but the most vital for some is: who should I live with next year?

If that question is keeping you up at night, have no fear! Six Queen Mary students from second year and beyond have shared how they found their flatmates, and any advice they have for those currently looking...

#1: Aarushi

Who are you living with?

I’m currently living with a group of friends I made during my first year at university. They’re the same people I used to hang out with and study with throughout my first year. We met through various society events and social events on campus, especially during the first few weeks when everyone was trying to make new connections.

Not all of us study the same course, but we all began university at the same time and quickly bonded. We also share a similar background, as we’re all Indian international students, which made it easier to relate to each other and build a strong friendship from the start.  

How did the conversation of living together come up?

The conversation about living together came up when me and my friends were all preparing to move out of university accommodation at the end of first year. Everyone was looking for a new place to stay for second year, and since we were already close friends, we started discussing our options together.

We began viewing and shortlisting accommodations as a group, comparing prices, locations, and facilities. Naturally, we realised that we preferred similar places and had similar budgets. Since we were comfortable with each other and already spent most of our time together, it made sense to become flatmates and live together for the next year.

What advice do you have for first year students?

My advice would be to first talk to the friends you’re closest to. Since you’ve already bonded with them during your first year, it’s usually much easier to imagine living together and having open conversations about expectations, budgets, and preferences.

If you don’t have a close group yet, try reaching out to people who share a similar background or mindset. For example, you could speak to others from your home country or community and ask about their plans for next year and where they’re thinking of living. Most first-year students are in the same situation and are also trying to figure things out, so you won’t be alone in feeling unsure.

In many cases, things naturally fall into place once you start having conversations. And even if you don’t end up finding a group to live with, student accommodation is always a great option. It gives you the chance to meet new people, make new friends, and still have a supportive and social living environment.

#2: Anonymous

Who are you living with?

It was my friend, we decided to live in the same flat. 

How did the conversation of living together come up?

We were looking for living options in our 2nd year together, searched for options nearby university, found a good place and decided to live together as it would be so much more convenient and fun. 

What advice do you have for first year students?

I would advise first years to be calm! Only ask the people you are most comfortable with, and most significantly, have the same mindset when it comes to goals, aspirations and lifestyle. Also have a honest conversation about your top priorities like cleanliness, splitting bills or having guests over because it has a great impact on how comfortable living with each other would be. 

#3: Roxy

Who are you living with?

I’m living with two friends. One of them lived across the hall from me at Stocks Court and we became really good friends instantly during move in weekend. The other flatmate lived at Ifor Evans, but we also became fast friends as we are from the same country and met at a society.

How did the conversation of living together come up?

It was around April when I asked them if they had any accommodation plans for the upcoming year. One of them instantly joined me, but the other friend was trying to rent with her flatmates at Ifor Evans. However, that plan didn't go well, so she joined us instead. 

What advice do you have for first year students?

Don’t panic. Make sure you are renting with people you’d be comfortable living with and would get along well with. Also, it’s important to talk about the budget beforehand. And, split the rent based on the room size for fairness! 

#4: Anonymous

Who are you living with?

I am in second year now and living with my flatmates I met in university accommodation in first year.

How did the conversation of living together come up?

After getting to know them better, after a few months, we asked each other if we had a plan for where to live next year. We all didn’t have a plan yet so we proposed the idea of living together as we worked so well together in the university accommodation. 

What advice do you have for first year students?

Get to know people before you make plans to share a flat with them, especially how they operate when living with others. Take your time with choosing someone as in London you don’t need to decide until around May/June. 

#5: Anonymous

Who are you living with?

I am living with my previous flatmates from last year when I was staying at Ifor Evans!

How did the conversation of living together come up?

It was the season where a lot of first years were stressing about their living situation the next coming year, I think around 3 months before summer. The four of us flatmates were used to each other's company so I think the conversation came about when we were all in the kitchen.

What advice do you have for first year students?

My advice is to be straightforward, and don't be scared to ask other people because you never know. When summer is approaching, everyone else is in the same boat as you and are trying to sort out their next living situation.

My other advice is, before asking someone if they want to be flatmates, you should think it through very thoroughly, because being a good friend doesn't always mean they're a good flatmate.

#6: Daniel

Who are you living with?

I'm living with 2 other people: a writer/musician and a journal editor. They are friends of a friend of mine (he told me about that place).

How did the conversation of living together come up?

They had an ad on SpareRoom, I contacted them and we started to talk about that friend in common. They told me about the area, the cemetery, and music, and suddenly we had a deal!

What advice do you have for first year students?

1. Get as much advice as possible

2. Prepare everything in advance

3. Constantly check new places, just in case

Be aware that all people have superpowers. They smell something they don't like from miles away and complain about it. They are saving the world and urgently need the shower. Just be patient.

What if you're struggling to find your people?

Have no fear! If you need help finding your future flatmates, come along to our Find A Flatmate event on the 13th March. All details can be found via the link below!