Why Flatsharing is Better than Living Alone
It’s no secret that one of the biggest benefits of living with others, is the shared rent. And whilst that’s a pretty big help (hello more money for the pub), there are definitely way more perks than just that. All the extra pasta you make when cooking and have to eat for days after? Your flatmates will eat that. And when you’re binging on a new TV show, but have no-one to immediately discuss it with? Watch it with your flatmate. Let us go on…
A whole host of friends
Not only will you (hopefully) become friends with your flatmates, but you’ll most likely become friends with their friends too. New friends offer new opportunities and may encourage you to try something a little out of your comfort zone. And all of a sudden, you’re Christmas card list will be larger than you ever expected.
Forgetting your keys
Late for work and raced out the house in a hurry? But realised on shutting the door, that your keys were inside? With the benefit of a housemate, chances are that someone may be in (unless you work with an all nighter, then ignore this point), so essentially saves on the whole ‘needing to call the locksmith again’ thing. Which no-one enjoys.
TV Show binges
There’s nothing quite like discussing the gossip from the latest Love Island episode, or binge watching on a new Netflix show. And it’s even better when you can discuss it minutes after it’s happened, rather than having to wait till the following morning for office chat or via WhatsApp. Plus you don’t feel quite so guilty when you all stay indoors all day on a Sunday.
Someone to eat your leftovers
We all do it, we all overcook on our pasta and then we end up eating it for the next four days. Which we tell ourselves is totally fine, but really, we’re bored of eating the same meal twice in a row. With a flatmate, you can happily enjoy your spag’ bowl on that evening, with company, and not have to worry about eating it again until you actually want it. Now that’s a double win. Although, rules don’t apply for sharing pizza.
Company when you’re sick
Even as grown ups, we still crave for our folks to be there when we’ve got the flu (or hangover), just because it’s comforting. And although they might not check on you as much as your mum would, it helps to have a flatmate when you’re in need of a shop run for a bread and Lemsip supply. And there’s higher chance of finding paracetamol in a flatshare than living alone.
Taking out the rubbish
Nobody likes the chore. But it’s gotta be done. The benefit of living with others, means that your favourite joggers don’t need to be washed every week from bin juice, as you’ll essentially get a few weeks off said chore when living with others. That’s if you put an ‘empty trash’ rota up in the first place…
People to talk to
There’s always someone to talk to (unless you live with people who prefer staying in their rooms), and sometimes that’s the nicest thing about coming home – knowing you can discuss your day and catch up. Not only can it be great for mental health, but helps fight loneliness, even just knowing that people are there. It’s even better when there’s a glass of wine in hand.
No holiday worries
If you’re big on your plants, and panicking about them slowly wasting away or frantically searching for a cat sitter, while you’re off on your jollies, there’s a strong percentage that your flatmate can help out and water/feed where needed. And at no extra cost (we hope), it saves you a huge stress. So those greens will stay green, your cat will still be living his best life, and you can work on that tan.
Saving money
The biggest win of them all, and not just in the cheaper rent sense. We’re talking all bills being split, basic food such as milk and bread, being bought together and not wasted, cleaning products for the house rather than each room, and a godsend toilet-roll house fund. Because, it’s never fun running out of loo roll when living alone.
As they say, a problem solved is a problem halved, or something like that. Personally, we’re just thinking more money for beer club!
