Student etiquette: the unbreakable rules

Student flats are renowned for their hedonistic lifestyle, beer can pyramids and kitchens which resemble the last days of Rome, only 365 days of the year.

However, contrary to popular belief, civilization does still manage to exist, in one form or another. Here are some of the main etiquette rules all flatmates should stick to if living in student housing in Manchester – or else all out civil war (AKA arguments) will break out.

1. Wash up regularly

When you have a large number of people inconveniently eating every day, it inevitably leads to a pile of washing-up very quickly. Leave the crockery for more than 48 hours and you’ll be lucky to even see the sink.

No one person can or should maintain the cleaning burden for too long, so everyone needs to be disciplined and wash up at the end of every night. Or even better yet, straight after every meal.

2. Switch it off

Everyone accepts that bills are going to be unusually high with so many people in the house, but that’s no excuse to let them soar through the roof.

Having a limit on how long you can use each appliance is a bit too dictatorial, and no one wants to live North Korean-style. However, if everyone turns things off when they’re not being used then it all adds up in the end.

3. All space is equal

No matter what size your kitchen is, there will only be so much space in the cupboards, fridges and freezers. Most people are cool if someone needs to put the odd packet of salami on their shelf every now and again, but take up an entire compartment and you’re crossing a line.

When everyone arrives at the place for the first time, it’s important to share out the space fairly and have everyone agree on the final layout. After that, just stick to it – period.

4. Keep it down – most of the time

As much as you’d think many people go to university purely for the sex, drugs and rock and roll, you’d be amazed how many actually intend to study. So everyone’s got to be reasonable when it comes to noise levels. This includes playing music, watching films and the occasional round of hilarious banter. Saying that, if everyone’s in on the party then screw the rules and turn the system up. You can deal with the neighbours tomorrow.