Be the flatmate you want to live with!

Living in halls is brilliant when everyone does the small things right. A bit of consideration keeps your flat happy, safe, and drama-free. Here are the tiny habits that make a big difference, with an important note on avoiding false fire alarms.

The big one: stop shower steam setting off the fire alarm

Recently, there’ve been more evacuations because shower steam has drifted into the corridor, triggering the alarm (learn more about fire safety in halls). It’s annoying, disrupts study and sleep, and ties up security teams. Here’s how to avoid it:

Before you shower

• Switch on the bathroom extractor fan if there is one - in some halls the extraction runs continuously, in others it may be tied into the light being turned on, so leave the light on to clear the steam but don't forget to turn the light off when the steam has cleared
• Make sure the bathroom door can close fully to avoid steam escaping during your shower, if it doesn't report this to get it fixed

During and after your shower

• Keep the bathroom door closed.
• Take slightly cooler or shorter showers if the room fogs up quickly.
• When you’re done, keep the fan running for at least 15–20 minutes
• If there’s a window, open it a little while keeping the door shut so steam goes out, not into the corridor.

If ventilation isn’t working

• Report it right away online or to Residences Reception or the Reception in your hall.
• Include the room number, what’s happening (e.g., “fan not pulling air”), and when you noticed it.
• Until it’s fixed, be extra careful to keep the door closed and wipe down condensation.

Kitchen courtesy that keeps the peace

Shared kitchens are one of the most active areas, meaning they can quickly become a source of tension. A few easy habits keep the space safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone:

• Watch the heat and steam: Use lids, switch on the extractor, and crack a window. Steam can drift just like shower vapour.
• Stay with your cooking: Unattended pans cause most kitchen alarms.
• Leave no trace: Wipe hobs, worktops, and the microwave after use. Rinse the sink.
• Bins before pong: If it smells, it’s time to take it out. Rotate bin duty fairly.
• Label food politely: Name and date your stuff. Ask before borrowing anything.

Noise, guests, and shared spaces

Halls are social, but rest matters too. Balancing hangouts with quiet time helps everyone study, sleep, and feel at home:

• Quiet hours matter: Consider using headphones more after 11pm on week nights. Keep doors from slamming.
• Give a heads-up: Let flatmates know if a you're having a guest round, remember the guest policy and wrap it up at a reasonable time.
• Common-room reset: Put furniture back, wash up mugs, and clear plates so the next person walks into a tidy space.

Safety first

Safety rules aren’t there to nag you, they protect lives and property. Following them takes seconds and makes a huge difference:

• Never wedge fire doors open. They’re there to protect you.
• Don’t cover or tamper with detectors. That’s a serious safety breach.
• Keep corridors clear. No bikes, boxes, or drying racks in escape routes.
• Report faults fast: Broken fans, beeping alarms, or doors not closing properly should be logged immediately.

Be a decent flatmate

Most flatmate issues are solved by being proactive, fair, and kind. Small efforts build a great atmosphere:

• Communicate early: If something bothers you, mention it kindly before it builds up.
• Share the load: Agree simple rotas for cleaning and bins.
• Own your slip-ups: Everyone makes mistakes. A quick “sorry, I’ve sorted it” goes a long way.

A few little habits protect your peace, your grades, and your sleep. Keep the steam in the bathroom (not in the corridor), and shout if ventilation isn’t up to scratch. Small changes, big win for everyone.