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.
How to build a support network at uni
How to make friends at uni if you’re shy
Is it normal not to make friends 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.
Here’s how to deal with your messy housemates
Explained: How to split utility bills with your housemates
There are 15 types of housemates. Which one are you?
What to do if you don’t like your university flatmates
Quiz: Which type of housemate are you?
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 Amelia! I'm an English Language and Linguistics student studying in Brighton. Outside of my studies, I'm either writing poetry or on spontaneous outings with my friends.
Top tip for students? Say YES to as many things as possible! Even if that means pushing yourself out your comfort zone, you'll be grateful you did it!
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).
Hi I’m Holly, a Politics and International Relations student at the University of Sheffield! In my free time I love going to the gym, seeing my friends, reading and travelling as much as possible.
Top tip for students? Make the most of everything, time at university goes by so quickly!
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 Amy, a University of Salford BA Film Production student. I have a strong passion for creative writing; whether it be scripts or fiction, I can turn almost anything into a story if given the opportunity. Outside of my studies I enjoy reading, taking sky pictures and playing DnD with my friends.
Top tip for students? Don't let any doubt or fear you have take over. You are exactly where you deserve to be. Take university by the horns and make it the experience you want it to be, not what others want it to be.
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!
