As assignment deadlines draw close, it’s normal for tensions to rise in your accommodation and for arguments to spill out with your housemates.

Check out our top tips on how resolve conflict constructively in your student accommodation:

1. Take a Breather

• Avoid Immediate Confrontation: If emotions are running high, give everyone time to cool off before addressing the issue. Spend some time in your room, or even leave the house entirely to give everyone both mental and physical space.
• Reflect: Think about the situation calmly and try to understand your own feelings and perspective.

2. Communicate Openly

• Arrange a Meeting: Set aside a neutral time and place where everyone involved can talk without interruptions.
• Be Honest and Respectful: Use “I” statements (e.g., “I felt hurt when…” rather than “You made me feel…”) to avoid sounding accusatory.
• Listen Actively: Let each person share their side and have their say without interruptions.

3. Identify the Core Issues

• Clarify the Problem: Is the conflict about shared responsibilities, respect, or something personal? Understanding the root cause is key to resolving it.
• Acknowledge Differing Perspectives: Recognise that others may view the situation differently from how you see it.

4. Seek Solutions Together

• Propose Compromises: Find ways to address the conflict that are fair and acceptable to everyone involved.
• Set Ground Rules: If the conflict arose from shared living issues (e.g., cleanliness, noise), agree on house rules to prevent future disagreements.

5. Involve a Neutral Mediator

• If direct discussions aren’t successful, involve a neutral third party to help mediate.

6. Establish Boundaries

• Respect Personal Space: If it’s difficult to fully reconcile, agree on how to coexist peacefully without constant interaction.
• Focus on Co-living Dynamics: Agree to maintain a courteous relationship, even if the personal friendship cannot be restored.

7. Prioritise Wellbeing

• Seek Support: If the situation is affecting mental health, reach out to friends, family, a counsellor or your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT).  See below for more information on further support at the University.
• Know When to Move On: If the situation is irreparable, consider options like changing rooms or housing arrangements for the future.

8. Learn from the Experience

• Use this as an opportunity to grow in communication and conflict resolution skills, which are valuable in all aspects of life.
• It’s essential to balance addressing the conflict with maintaining personal and academic priorities. Taking proactive steps can help turn a difficult situation into a constructive outcome.

Extra support

In University of Chester Accommodation

• Start with your RA, if they can’t help, they will signpost you to other services.
• The ResLife team can also offer support.  Email them on reslife@chester.ac.uk

In Privately Managed Student Accommodation Blocks

• Speak to the management team at the site.

In a Private Rented Student House

• Speak to your landlord or letting agent who should provide you with options on managing a housemate fall out.

Student Assistance Programme

• A free service for University of Chester students which is available 24/7.
• You can discuss tenancy and housing concerns with the SAP Advisers.
• You can call for in the moment support and/or set up sessions with a counsellor.
• Full student guide on calling the SAP Helpline

University Wellbeing and Mental Health

• If you are finding your Wellbeing and Mental Health are being impacted and you’d like further support, consider contacting Student Services on studentservices@chester.ac.uk or 01244 511 550.