Well first of all I would just like to say that I am so thankful last week is over! Yet again I have moved house! This time to live alone, I think this is for the best! Although it is nice to be around people at times I found things difficult to cope with with having people around you all the time, but I also believe that everyone should house share at least once just for the experience because you can learn so much from it!

But to make things work in this kind of environment takes consideration and respect, so on that note I thought I would give some advice on shared living (not that I'm an expert because I'm not!) so here goes.

1) Always live independently! Never share the food cost it never works out because one of you will eat more and at different times so it causes tension and arguments! Have separate cupboards and designated shelves in the fridge/freezer.

2) If you have a house party make sure that you all agree to it don't just turn up at stupid o'clock with a house of people when your other housemates may have work/uni in a few hours.

3) Tidy as you go! If you eat something then do the washing up straight away! Don't say to yourself "I'll do it later because when you put it off it piles up and gets annoying for your other housemates.

4) Be considerate, one of your housemates could be a light sleeper so your elephant feet stampeding across the landing could wake them.

5) Bathroom products! If you have spent all your money from partying and can't afford the best shampoo, conditioner, body wash etc. then don't take it upon yourself to use your housemates without asking. It's really unfair so to stop this keep your products in your bedroom! And I would never leave your toothbrush in the bathroom you never know what nasty things people can do when they're mad! 

6) Always ask to borrow things before you take them. Most people will say yes anyway but don't just presume.

7) make sure that you have locks on your bedroom doors! You may trust your housemates not to steal from you but the people they bring round might not have such high morals!

These are just a few things that will help your living arrangements so much easier but the biggest one of all is COMMUNICATION! If something annoys you then tell your housemates straight away because if you don't it builds up tension and massive arguments blow up! 

Enjoy the experience while you can, it offers so much to learn from! 

Ricky xxx