Pros and Cons of living alone in Student Accommodation

You might be at the stage where you're already thinking of where you want to live next year, or having some regrets about living with so many people. They say the grass is always greener on the other side, so here are some pros and cons to consider when you're thinking of living alone at university.

Pros

Your kitchen, your mess

This one works for two reasons. One is you no longer have to look at unsightly piles of washing up that your flatmates have ignored for the last week (I lived with someone who once referred to their pile as “Mount Dishmore”). The other part is that… well… other people don’t see yours either. Don’t want to wash up straight after cooking? Do it tomorrow, it’s only you that’ll be looking at it. 

No queuing for the bathroom in the morning

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, it doesn’t matter because you can shower whenever you want with nobody banging on the door. No racing all your flatmates that also need to be at uni at 9am on a Monday, you can take your time, have a long shower, and go out feeling and looking your best.

You can decorate EVERYTHING

Posters in the kitchen? Go for it! Rows of cute glass jars for all your cosmetics in the bathroom? Absolutely! Have a rock collection you want to display in the dining area? Sure! When all the space is yours, it’s yours to fill as you please.

Socialise on your terms

Even the most social of butterflies need a break sometimes, but sometimes you still get FOMO when your flatmates are going out to a party and trying to bring you along. While it’s nice to have that opportunity, sometimes you just need some quality me-time, and it’s much easier to find that in your own space. 

Nobody eats your food

This one is self-explanatory really.

Cons

Overnight guest rules = no late night hangouts

Having your own place is great, you can invite people over to socialise when you want to and without checking with your flatmates. Except at night. If you want a late night movie night with your friends then you’re going to need to plan that well in advance, or kick them out by 11pm.

You are your own nurse

If it’s your first time away from home, you might have noticed something by now. Mum and dad can’t bring you tea and toast in bed when you’re poorly now. But if you’re friends with your flatmates, they might be willing to! (Or at least bring you paracetamol). Unfortunately living on your own does mean completely fending for yourself, so stock up on a good first aid kit because you don’t want to be dragging yourself out when you've sliced your finger instead of the onion you were cutting.

Nobody to split chores with

Some people really like to cook. Some prefer to clean. Some prefer to do the washing up, or take the bins out. Whatever it is, you can usually find a way to divide chores between people, especially if you can do something in return (One cooks dinner, one washes up?). On your own you are the chef and the dishwasher, sorry.

It can get lonely

Living alone can be awesome for building your independence, but you need to know how to get out there and meet people. It can be really intimidating, especially if it’s your first year, to go out and get to know people outside of your (one person) bubble. Thankfully, ResLife put on tons of events to help you meet other people in halls and make friends. Keep an eye on our social media feeds for all of the upcoming events this year!

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