Skip the mess stress this semester

With the new term starting, your Residential Adviser will provide your flat with a cleaning rota this January. 

The cleaning rota is there to help your flat start off on the right foot and avoid any unwanted flatmate cleaning tension down the line. Even if things got a little out of control last semester, it's not too late to turn things around and keep your kitchen sparkly clean this term.

Your flat's rota 📆

We know that approaching conversations around living with others and keeping things clean can be...awkward. Thankfully, we've put together a weekly rota that sets out the tasks so all that is left to do is add your initials.

Sticking to the rota means that chores are spread out fairly between all flatmates and in the end will lighten the load for everyone e.g. if you live with 5 others, you'll only need to vacuum once every 6 weeks!

A cleaner will visit your kitchen twice a month, meaning that it's up to your flat to keep clean and tidy in the meantime. So that your kitchen can be cleaned on these visits, the space must be of a certain standard. For example, if your sink is full of dishes and the worktops are cluttered, your cleaner will not be able to clean around it.

How to use the rota ✅

Living in shared spaces can mean that mess builds up pretty quickly. However, everyone has the right to live in a clean, tidy space and it is each flatmates responsibility to do their bit each day.

• Take just a few minutes out your day to add initials, stickers, stamps whatever you like to the rota to show who is leading on what chore that week
• Split the tasks fairly across all all flatmates and maybe you'll want to take a picture to share in the group chat, in case it gets lost!
• Put the rota up in a place where everyone can see so there's no excuse to forget it's your turn to brush up
• Even if it's 'not your week', there are still things you have to do each week to keep on top it e.g. wiping up after spillages, putting dishes away and clearing the worktops 

No one wants the dreaded passive aggressive post it note or message in the group chat. Sticking to your rota and cleaning up after yourself each day will save an awkward conversation down the line, trust us!

Need help? 💭

Living with others and sharing spaces is all part of the university experience. If it does become too much or you have issues to raise, speak to your Residential Adviser who has experience of living in shared spaces too. They'll offer some friendly advice and take it further if things get out of hand.

If you don't have a rota or have lost yours, just contact your RA or reception team as they'll be able to provide a copy.

Cleaning 101 🫧

Maybe it's your first time living away from home or your first time sharing with others? No problem, we've got cleaning guides to make things that bit easier:

• Your guide to cleaning your bedroom
• Your guide to cleaning your kitchen
• Your guide to cleaning your bathroom

Keeping your kitchen and shared area clean doesn't have to be a headache. Save the mess stress and give your rota a go this term.