This is a guest blog by current student Odin.

Living with friends can transform a mundane space into a lively hub of fun and shared experiences! From late-night conversations to spontaneous adventures, cohabiting with friends offers a unique opportunity to cultivate deep connections and lasting memories. However, beneath the surface of laughter lie challenges that require careful navigation. Let’s explore the pros and cons of living with friends:

Pros:

1. Built-in Support System: Sharing a living space with friends provides an invaluable support network. Whether you’re stressed about an upcoming assignment or facing personal challenges, your housemates offer a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear.

2. Shared Responsibility: Dividing household chores and responsibilities among friends fosters a sense of cooperation and accountability. From cleaning communal areas to grocery shopping, sharing responsibilities lightens the load and makes life easier!

3. Having Fun and Building Community: Living with friends transforms a house into a home, you can build something beautiful with people you care about over the year you live in that house. From movie nights to dinner parties, shared experiences create bonds and memories that enrich the living experience.

4. Personal Growth: Coexisting with friends necessitates navigating conflicts and compromises, fostering personal growth and development. Learning to communicate effectively, negotiate differences, and respect boundaries are invaluable life skills honed through shared living.

Cons:

1. Conflict Potential: Differences in lifestyle, habits, or expectations can lead to conflicts among housemates. Whether it’s disagreements over cleanliness, responsibility, or noise levels, addressing conflicts promptly and respectfully is crucial to maintaining harmony.

2. Boundaries and Privacy: Balancing social interactions with personal space can be challenging in a shared living environment. Respecting each other’s privacy and establishing clear boundaries is essential to prevent feelings of intrusion or resentment.

3. Financial Disputes: Despite the benefits of cost-sharing, financial disputes may arise if contributions or financial agreements are not clear or even followed. Open communication and transparency regarding financial matters are vital to avoid misunderstandings but can lead to arguments and a negative environment depending on who you live with.

4. Dependency on Friendship: Relying solely on friendships for housing arrangements can pose risks if friendships deteriorate or dynamics change over time. Some people make amazing friends but terrible people to live with, so it’s important to consider how your relationship may change through living in the same house. It is also important to have plans in place to maintain your independence in case something goes wrong.

5. Difficulty in Finding Balance: Balancing socializing with personal and academic/professional commitments can be challenging when living with friends. Establishing boundaries, prioritizing responsibilities, and maintaining open communication are crucial for maintaining balance.

Living with friends offers a myriad of benefits, including a support system, shared responsibilities, and opportunities for personal growth. However, it also presents challenges such as potential conflicts, boundary issues, and financial disputes. I recommend traveling with a friend before moving into a house with them, to get a better grasp of how they are as a flatmate rather than just a good friend.