We know that a lot of our Lancaster students have probably moved into their new student home with a group of their closest friends. However, some of you may be living with strangers, friends of friends or just some people that you don’t know very well (yet!). Moving into off-campus accommodation, means shared bathrooms, kitchens and communal areas, so getting to know your housemates well enough to at least co-exist for the year is ideal. We’ve put together some ideas on how to get to know your housemates better, and some fun things to do around Lancaster whilst you’re at it!
Breaking the Ice
It’s important to introduce yourself early on to those in the group who you may not know too well. This could be done in person, through a household group chat, or even as you’re moving in! Making a good first impression is key. If you’re all moving into your new student home on the same day, it gives you the perfect opportunity for lots of interaction, and you may even be able to help each other move in and get settled.
Sharing meals and cooking is sacred in student houses. For many students, cooking their own meals is a first-time experience, so why not share a meal with your housemates or even cook a meal together for your entire student home? If you need some tasty, simple, and cheap student-proof recipes, click here. If cooking isn’t your vibe, why not pool your money together and get a takeaway instead?
Spending time together out of your student home
Lancaster may only be a small city, but there are loads of places in and around the town centre (nice and close to your student home) that you can visit with your housemates to get to know each other better. Now you’re living in off-campus accommodation in Lancaster centre, why not spend some time out and about with your new housemates exploring the city! You could take a trip up to Williamson Park, they have beautiful views of Lancaster, the butterfly house and a little café where you can get a drink and warm up! Or why not visit one of Lancaster’s many restaurants as a student household, to find out more about eating out in Lancaster on a student budget, click here.
Being respectful
One of the most important parts of learning to live harmoniously as a student household and getting on your housemates’ good side is being respectful of their space. Everyone is different with how private they are, and learning if your housemates want you in their personal space is key to getting on and enjoying your living experience for the next year. There are always people you gel with more than others, and if there are people in your house who you may not know so well, being respectful of their space and needs (and them doing so in return) is vital for building a relationship with them.
Good luck with moving in and creating bonds that will hopefully last a lifetime!