5 Things No One Tells You About Living With Roommates

Living with roommates can be one of the most memorable, hilarious, and sometimes frustrating parts of young adult life. Whether you’re moving into your first share house or checking into student accommodation Melbourne style, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that no one really prepares you for. Sure, you might expect dishes in the sink and the occasional noisy night — but that’s just scratching the surface.

Here are five things people rarely tell you, but definitely should.

1. You’ll Learn a Lot About Yourself — Fast

Living with other people is like holding up a mirror. You quickly discover your habits, your pet peeves, and how well you actually handle confrontation. Maybe you thought you were chill — until someone leaves dirty socks on the couch for three days straight.

Roommates test your patience, communication skills, and sense of humour. But they also help you grow. You’ll learn how to set boundaries, how to compromise, and when it’s best to just laugh things off.

2. Everyone Cleans Very Differently

You might think it’s common sense to wipe down the bathroom after you use it or to not leave mouldy leftovers in the fridge — but not everyone operates the same way. What you consider “clean” might be someone else’s “messy-but-fine.”

The trick? Talk about expectations early. Set up a cleaning schedule if needed. Better to be proactive than silently rage every time someone leaves crumbs on the counter.

Pro tip: Don’t be passive-aggressive. Sticky notes rarely solve anything. Conversations do.

3. Bills, Groceries, and Shared Items Can Get Weird

Splitting costs sounds easy… until someone keeps using your shampoo or “borrows” milk every day without ever buying a bottle.

Here’s what helps:

• Use apps like Splitwise to track shared bills or expenses.

• Decide early on what’s communal (e.g., toilet paper) and what’s not (e.g., snacks).

• When in doubt, label it — seriously, it avoids awkward moments.

Money stuff can feel uncomfortable, but clear expectations upfront prevent resentment later.

4. Roommate Chemistry > Shared Interests

You don’t have to be best friends with your roommates. In fact, sometimes that doesn’t work out well. What matters most is how well your lifestyles align.

• Are they a night owl and you’re an early bird?

• Do they love hosting parties while you’re more low-key?

• Are they fine with dishes piling up while you wash yours right away?

Shared values around respect, space, and noise levels are more important than whether you both like the same bands or Netflix shows.

5. It Won’t Always Be Perfect — and That’s Okay

Even in the best situations, you’ll have the occasional clash. Maybe someone forgets to take the bins out, or you have to ask them (again) to stop slamming the door at 2am. These things happen.

The important part is how you respond. Sometimes a calm chat sorts everything out. Other times, you might just need to pick your battles. And if things ever get truly uncomfortable, it’s okay to explore other housing options.

Living with roommates is a learning experience. It’s rarely perfect, but it’s often worth it — for the memories, the shared laughs, and the valuable life lessons you’ll carry forward.

Sharing a home — especially in busy cities like Melbourne — can be equal parts fun and frustrating. But with a little communication, flexibility, and mutual respect, living with roommates can be one of the most rewarding parts of your young adult life. Whether you’re navigating share houses or settling into student accommodation Melbourne has available, knowing what to expect helps you go in with confidence (and maybe a backup set of earplugs).