Relationships
University is as much about the relationships you build as it is about your studies. From forming lasting friendships to navigating romantic relationships, these connections can shape your uni experience.
This guide is here to help you strengthen bonds, maintain healthy boundaries, and resolve challenges with housemates and loved ones. No matter what your situation, we’ve got tips and advice to guide you.
Navigating dating and relationships at university can be both exciting and challenging. Whether it’s exploring romantic connections, maintaining a long-distance relationship, or learning about safe and consensual sex, this section provides practical guidance. Whatever your experience, you’ll find advice to help you make informed and confident decisions.
Making and maintaining friendships at university is an essential part of student life. Whether it’s connecting with coursemates, joining societies, or reaching out to flatmates, building a social network can enrich your experience. Learn how to form strong, supportive friendships that will last far beyond your uni years.
14 best apps to find friends when you’re a student at university
Top gift ideas for students doing secret santa
How to build a support network at uni
Living with housemates can be an incredible experience but also comes with its own set of challenges. Sharing a space with others requires compromise, communication, and understanding. From splitting bills to resolving disputes, this section provides advice to help you build a harmonious household.
Quiz: Which type of housemate are you?
Tips on how to tell your flatmates to be quiet at uni
Top 10 ideas to bond with your flatmates at university
The best bill splitting apps for students: Tried and tested
Explained: How to split utility bills with your housemates
If cleaning becomes an issue, try to have a calm and respectful conversation with your housemates. Suggest creating a cleaning rota to ensure everyone shares responsibilities fairly. If the issue persists, bring it up again as a group and consider involving your landlord if it’s affecting the property’s condition.
To split bills, use apps like Splitwise or Monzo to track and divide costs. Many utilities providers also allow multiple names on the account, so everyone is equally responsible for payments. Make sure to agree on how bills will be handled at the start of your tenancy to avoid misunderstandings.
If you’re not getting along, focus on maintaining clear communication and setting boundaries. Try to find common ground and compromise when possible. If the situation becomes too stressful, speak to your university’s accommodation office for advice or consider moving to different accommodation.
If your housemates are noisy, talk to them politely about how it’s affecting you. Explain your concerns and agree on quiet hours, especially during exam periods. If the issue continues, consider using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones and escalate the matter if necessary.
If a housemate fails to pay their share, discuss the issue with them directly and find out why. It’s important to address this promptly to avoid financial strain on others. If they’re struggling, you can work out a payment plan, but if they’re unwilling to pay, contact your landlord or seek advice from your university’s accommodation office.
Sharing a house with others is a great opportunity to learn essential life skills like collaboration and conflict resolution. Remember, open communication and mutual respect are the foundation of a successful shared living arrangement.
Why Unifresher?
At Unifresher, we understand student life because our guides are written by students, for students. From nightlife and local advice to saving money and finding hidden gems, every article is designed to make your university experience unforgettable.
Featured student writers
Our content is for students, written by students.
Hi I’m Sophie! I’m a creative writing student currently studying in London. I love writing both fiction ranging from short stories to flash fiction and non-fiction consisting mainly of book reviews. In my spare time aside from writing fiction I'm usually head down into a book or two.
Top tip for students? You deserve to be exactly where you are and deserve to want more. Always be willing to take on opportunities that will help you move forward in your career.
Hi I'm Mia, a History & Sociology Student studying in Manchester. My current favourite hobby is taking photos of rave culture at events with my friends in the city, as an EDM music lover myself. I love to post my pictures on my personal blog and fall into wormholes on Pinterest. If I'm not with a camera in hand, I'm probably curled up with a cuppa creating another vision board collage.
Top tip for students? Don't let bad grades in your first year get you down too much. It is such a huge step up from the school system and everyone, even the overachievers (me) need time to adjust. Academic validation isn't everything, but you are capable of anything if you take it one step at a time!
Hi, I'm Rachel! I'm a student at the University of Exeter and I study French and International Relations. When I'm not doing my seminar prep, I'm either reading a good fiction book, listening to a pop culture podcast or on the New York Times website! I enjoy writing the articles and guides I wished I had when I first started university.
Top tip for students? Make use of your professors' office hours as much as you can!
Hi, I'm Aiden! I'm a student at the University of Manchester studying Medicine! I'm passionate about writing and sharing my experiences to try and keep students well-informed. When I'm not in lecture or at the library, you can find me spending time with my friends, hiking on a scenic trail in the Peak District or in my flat's common room writing with a snack in hand.
Top tip for students? Ask why and how, and link new material to things you already know; don't just commit things to memory. A deeper understanding will help you remember, apply, and perform better.
Hi I’m Thea! I'm an undergrad anthropology student at the SOAS. I love all things pop culture, going to concerts, journaling and reading romance books.
Top tip for students? Time management is key - waiting until the deadline to start your assignment will only make your life harder (trust me I would know).
I'm Lola, an English Literature student in Bangor University. I'm passionate about Wesh culture, and poetry.
Top tip for students? Always make sure you find a good study space! It'll help you get your work done easier.
Hiya! I'm Jessica and I'm studying English at Ulster University where I spend most of my days trying out the local coffee shops with a good book in hand. My course allows me to do the thing I love (reading) both inside and outside of the classroom!
Top tip for students? Get involved! This is a fantastic way to make friends as well as elevate your uni experience.
I’m currently an English and Classics student in Birmingham. I’m an avid reader, and I love everything from modern French classics to ancient Greek poetry. In my free time, I also like gaming, art, and listening to music with my trusty noise-cancelling headphones!
Top tip for students? Try as many new things as you can! It may seem intimidating, especially if you’re in a new place or on your own, but stepping outside your comfort zone can lead you to discover things you love.
Hi I'm Emily and I'm a journalism student currently studying at Sheffield Hallam University. I've been in love with writing since I was ten, back when all my stories involved vampires. These days, I love writing about the realities of student life - sharing honest experiences and perspectives to help others. I'm also a big fan of long walks, live music, and Wes Anderson films!
Top tip for students? It's okay to take your time - university might feel weird at first, but it will settle. Go at your own pace and prioritise your mental health.
Hi, I'm Tori! I'm a recent Business & Management graduate from UWE Bristol. I'm an avid concert attendee outside (and alongside...) my studies, with my favourite genre being K-pop! As I take my first steps into a professional career, I'm using writing to bridge the transition between full-time academic writing to a corporate lifestyle.
Top tip for students? Don't get complacent! University might seem to take a step back and seem more chill than college but it's never too early to prepare for things, and there aren't always times when you will be prompted to start, so stay vigilant, and stay ahead. Good luck!
Hi! I’m Bea, and I’m a master’s student, studying History at Durham University. When I’m not studying or writing, you can usually find me listening to music, trying new recipes, or getting involved with theatre at uni. I love all things arts and culture, and will get involved at any opportunity.
Top tip for students? Throw yourself into everything! If it interests you, give it a go - you never know where new opportunities will take you.
Hi, I'm Mariam! I'm a Law student at the University of Leicester. I love writing, hiking and reading.
Top tip for students? There is something for everyone at university, so put yourself out there. It’s the best time to explore your interests and discover yourself, so try to get involved as much as you can!