How can I hold a meeting with my flatmates to resolve issues or discuss making communal rules?

Flat meetings can take place at any point during your time in accommodation. Whether at the start of the semester or just before moving out, they are a great way to get everyone on the same page and agree on how you would like to live together. Not holding meetings can lead to miscommunication and tension amongst flatmates.

Once you have agreed a time and date, you can nominate a flat representative to lead the meeting. You can set some basic ground rules and take turns to speak, taking a break if things get heated. Try and listen actively and understand each persons’ perspective, be respectful and listen to each other. Remember that everyone comes from different backgrounds and will have different experiences.

Key tips include:-

• Try to identify key issues
• Find a realistic solution together – aim for compromises that meet everyone’s needs
• Make communal rules – agree together on shared rules for the flat. It wont work unless everyone is willing to compromise and commit. Remember to write down the rules and be specific, Vague rules can easily be broken or misunderstood by others
• Move forward after the meeting – be prepared to hold follow-up meetings if things are not working out. Regular meetings are a great way to stay on the same page and review whether any rules need to be updated or added.

We have put together a guide ‘How to set-up a flat meeting’ which you can use or share with your flatmates.

You can also get in touch with our Communities team if you are worried or would like help organising a flat meeting. Just raise an enquiry with the MySurrey Hive team on Surrey Support.