Stick to these 10 rules for a happy student house share 

Do your share of the chores, resolve conflicts swiftly, and be courteous when sharing accommodation

Have set rules and communicate face-to-face with any issues. Curt notes or text messages can be misunderstood. File picture

Be crystal clear about shared expenses (and not just utilities). Have a set list of regular extras from loo cleaner to teabags and split the cost weekly.

Resolve conflicts sooner rather than later. Don’t brood and gossip. A formerly happy household can prove toxic within just a couple of weeks.

Always strive to compromise and be courteous. Housemates don’t have to be your best friends, but they want a happy home too. Avoid factions.

Curt notes and texts don’t have a clear tone and can stoke miscommunication. Make it face-to-face or at least by phone.

Respect space and privacy. Don’t pursue someone to their bedroom door. Wait until they are out and about in communal spaces for a chat.

Mark out quiet hours. During the week, this might be any time after 10pm. During academic exam time, this might be most of the day.

Have set rules regarding overnight guests.

Food is sacred. Don't 'borrow' another person's food without asking. It's a no-no.

Finding complete strangers in the kitchen could really freak out a sensitive, private person. Getting romantically involved with your housemates? It’s complicated.

Don’t “borrow” or steal someone else’s foodstuff, ingredients or clothing. That’s it — just don’t ever do it.

Lock up and turn off electrical appliances. Leaving doors open or windows ajar — you’re putting everyone and most of their worldly stuff at risk. Do a fire drill to ensure you know how to get out safely and check everyone else has got out.

Do your chores and pay your bills. It’s not rocket science — it’s everyday life and training for the future.