How to Have Guests and Be Fair to Your Flatmates

Moving away to university is often the first time you can truly say: “Let’s get ready at mine.”

Your place. Your home. At Unite Students, we want you to feel exactly that way. Having friends over and welcoming guests is all part of student life. But in shared accommodation, it’s just as important to be considerate of your flatmates and the wider community.

Here’s everything you need to know about having guests - while keeping things fair, safe, and respectful for everyone.

When You Have Guests, You’re Responsible for Them

As a tenant at Unite Students, you’re responsible for your guests’ behaviour at all times. Anything we expect from you, we also expect from anyone you invite into the building.

Your tenancy agreement outlines behaviour that isn’t permitted in our properties. When hosting guests, make sure they understand that they must not:

• Smoke anywhere inside the building

• Cause damage to the building or its contents

• Annoy, intimidate, or threaten other residents or staff

• Tamper with fire safety equipment

• Bring animals of any kind into the building

If a guest breaks these rules, it’s treated as a breach of your tenancy agreement, not theirs. If you’re unsure whether someone will respect the rules - or you don’t know them well yet - it may be best to wait before inviting them over.

Creating a respectful living environment is everyone’s responsibility. You can learn more about shared expectations by reading our Home Charter, or by checking the terms and conditions of your tenancy (see clause 6: Tenant Conduct).

Always Let Your Flatmates Know First

Living in shared student accommodation means common sense and courtesy go a long way.

Unless you live in a studio flat, remember that your home is also someone else’s space. If you’re planning to have friends over, let your flatmates know in advance - especially if you’ll be using shared areas like the kitchen or living room. Better still, invite them to join you.

The same applies to overnight guests (where permitted under current guidelines). A quick heads-up helps everyone feel comfortable in their own home.

Let the Reception Team Know About Overnight Guests

If someone is staying overnight, you should also inform your reception team. This is particularly important if your guest would need support during an emergency evacuation. Keeping staff informed helps us keep everyone safe.

How Long Can Guests Stay?

Having a guest stay for one or two nights is usually fine - especially if they’ve travelled a long way to see you.

However, longer stays can quickly cause tension. Flatmates may feel uncomfortable or excluded if someone is effectively living in the flat. For this reason, overnight guests should stay for no more than two consecutive nights.

If you’re planning an overnight stay, remember:

• Only one person per flat can host a guest at any one time

• This is in line with government guidelines that limit indoor mixing to two households

Respect Goes a Long Way

Being thoughtful about guests helps everyone enjoy their student home. Clear communication, mutual respect, and following the rules make shared living smoother - and far more enjoyable.

If you’re ever unsure, check your tenancy agreement, speak to your reception team, or take another look at the Home Charter. A little consideration makes a big difference.

FAQs

How do I host guests without disrupting my flatmates’ routine?

The best way to avoid disruption is to communicate early and be mindful of shared spaces. Let your flatmates know when guests are coming over and how long they’ll be staying. Try to plan visits around everyone’s usual routines - such as study times, work shifts, or early mornings - and keep noise and shared space use to a minimum. A little consideration goes a long way in maintaining a positive living environment.

What’s the best way to handle guests in shared kitchens and living spaces?

When using shared areas with guests, be respectful and inclusive. Keep visits to reasonable lengths, tidy up after yourselves, and avoid taking over communal spaces for long periods. If you’re cooking or socialising in the kitchen, let your flatmates know and invite them to join if appropriate. Being flexible and aware of others’ needs helps shared spaces feel welcoming for everyone.

What should I do if my flatmate’s guests make me uncomfortable?

If a flatmate’s guest makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s important to address it early. Start by calmly speaking to your flatmate and explaining how you feel - often, they may not realise there’s an issue. If the situation doesn’t improve or you don’t feel able to have that conversation, you can speak to your reception team or accommodation staff for advice and support.