Finding the right people to live with can make a big difference to how your home feels.

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You don't have to live with your closest friends, have a big house group or even live with other people at all. The important thing is finding an arrangement that works for you.

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If you are planning to share, take some time to think about more than whether you get on socially. Even really good friendships can feel different when you're sharing a kitchen, bills and cleaning.

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What should we talk about before deciding to live together?

You don't all need to be exactly the same, but it helps to know what everyone expects. Have a chat about things like:

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• budget – how much can everyone realistically afford?

• cleaning – how will you share jobs?

• food – will you share anything or keep things separate?

• noise – are you early risers, night owls or somewhere in between?

• socialising – how does everyone feel about friends or partners coming over?

• studying – does anyone need the house to be particularly quiet?

• bills – who'll organise them if they aren't included?

• smoking or vaping – what is everyone comfortable with?

• shared belongings – what are you happy for other people to use?

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There might also be things that are particularly important to you because of your faith, culture, disability, gender or other parts of your identity. You don't need a formal housemate interview. It's just much easier to have these conversations before you've agreed to live together.

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How many people should I live with?

There's no perfect group size. A bigger house can be lively and sociable, while a smaller group might feel calmer and make household decisions easier.

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Group size can also affect the properties available to you. Larger houses are less common, so looking as a big group could limit your options. Don't add someone to your group just because you've found a house with an extra bedroom. If you have a big friendship group, you could consider splitting into two smaller houses or flats and looking for somewhere close to each other.

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What if I want to live alone?

That's an option too. A studio or one-bedroom property might suit you if you value having your own space or know that communal living isn't for you. It will often cost more than sharing, so check your budget carefully.

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It's also worth thinking about where you'll get your social connection from. That could be friends, societies, your course, work, volunteering or other communities you're part of. Living alone doesn't mean missing out on university life. We offer so many ways to join in from free or low cost events, to societies and community groups.

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What if I haven't found anyone to live with?

Try not to panic if it feels like everyone else has already sorted their house. Plenty of students are still looking for people or rooms at different points in the year.

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Studentpad has a messageboard where you can find other people looking for housemates or advertise yourself as looking for a group, and we host flatmate finder events for you to connect with others.

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You could also ask within societies, sports clubs, course groups or other student communities you're already part of. If you're meeting potential housemates online, meet somewhere public first and take the same precautions you would when meeting anyone new.

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What if my friends are ready to sign but I'm not?

You don't have to say yes because everyone else is ready. If something is making you unsure, work out what it is. Maybe it's something you can talk through – like budget, location or cleaning. Or maybe you're realising that you don't actually want to live with this group. Both are useful things to know before you agree to anything.

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It can feel awkward to tell friends you need more time or have decided not to live with them, but that's better than committing to a living situation you're already uncomfortable about.

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What should I know about sharing the tenancy?

If you're renting a house together, you may have a joint tenancy. With a joint tenancy, you and the other joint tenants can all be responsible for the rent. That means the financial side of choosing housemates matters too.

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Make sure everyone understands what they're agreeing to and don't assume you're only responsible for your own bedroom or share of the rent.

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Read our checking your tenancy agreement advice before agreeing.

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What if I've already agreed to live with someone and changed my mind?

Don't assume that moving out means your responsibility automatically ends. What you can do will depend on your type of agreement and your circumstances.

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Private renting rules changed in May 2026, so older advice about being 'stuck in a fixed-term contract' may no longer apply to most private tenancies. Other types of student accommodation can have different rules.

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Before stopping rent payments or agreeing for someone else to take your room, check your position. Speak to the landlord or accommodation provider and get advice if you're unsure. We can also help you understand your housing rights so get in touch.

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What if I'm having problems with my housemates?

Living together can bring up disagreements even when you got on brilliantly beforehand. Try talking about the problem early if you feel comfortable doing so. Be clear about what's bothering you and what you'd like to change.

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If the situation is affecting your housing, finances, safety or ability to study, you don't have to work it out on your own.

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How can the Guild help?

If you're feeling pressured to agree to a house, you're having problems with your housemates or you've changed your mind about your living arrangements, talk to us.

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We can help you understand your housing options or rights and what your agreement means for you.

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Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com for support.

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