How to protect your mental health whilst living with Uni Roomates
Starting university life in shared accommodation can be emotionally challenging to put it mildly. Here’s how to maintain your mental well-being while living with strangers.
Create Your Safe Space
It might be small and the floor creaks but do try your best to make your bedroom your personal sanctuary. Take time to personalise it in a way that feels calming and comfortable. Keep it clean. Your clean and cosy inner sanctum that feels entirely yours will provide crucial emotional security when feeling overwhelmed by house dynamics.
Set Healthy Boundaries
While you should never feel guilty about needing alone time in your room, it’s best practice to tell your housemates when you need space to chill alone. Being upfront and communicative about your needs prevents misunderstandings, resentment and helps maintain good relationships.
Practice Open Communication
When you’re struggling, share your feelings with your housemates before they escalate. Simple phrases like “I’m feeling anxious about my upcoming exams and need some quiet time” can help them understand and support you better. This is particularly important when dealing with shared bills, cleaning rotas, or house meetings.
Maintain Your Routine
Living in a busy student house can disrupt your schedule, but try to stick to your mental health practices. Whether it’s morning meditation, evening walks, or regular video calls with family, prioritize the habits that keep you grounded.
Know When to Seek Support
If house sharing is affecting your mental health, don’t suffer in silence. Your university’s counseling and can provide personal strategies for managing shared living stress, and your student housing office can help mediate more serious conflicts.
Remember, learning to get along in a shared flat whilst protecting your mental health is a valuable life skill. Be patient with yourself and your housemates as you navigate this new chapter together.
