A shared kitchen experience can be a rather daunting prospect. We’ve all heard horror stories from older siblings and friends – here’s how to avoid having your own.
- In the fridge and freezer, decide which shelf is whose and stick to it. If you can, try to get the top shelf – that way, no one’s food will be dripping unwanted juices onto your stuff, and you can ensure you’re not dripping juices on theirs.
- Keep your shelves clean and fresh, or it will begin to stink – a rotting onion can be mistaken for a gas leak (I hear it leads to an embarrassing conversation with the fire brigade).
- Keep on top of your washing up. When you’re living alone for the first time, it may be the first time you’re responsible for your own cleanliness, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly it can build up. Put headphones on and dedicate 10 minutes every time you cook to cleaning up to respect the space for everyone else – and hopefully, your flatmates will do the same for you.
- Kitchen roll is essential for mopping up spills easily.
- Fill out a bin rota when you arrive. Some University halls will provide one, but otherwise, you can write one out. One person per week is responsible for the bins and does a full kitchen clean at the end of the week (sweep, wipe, and disinfect). The only exception is if you order a takeaway, you have to take out your pizza boxes! This saved our flat from rotting bins and inches of crumbs on the floor – and if it’s getting bad, you know who to text.
- Have a cash float for communal kitchen items. If everyone puts £5-10 at the start of the year, it will keep you going all the way through for kitchen roll, washing up liquid, sponges, and surface cleaner, so the financial burden doesn’t fall to one or two people.
- Batch cooking is a great way to save money and prepare for the week, however, don’t do it when everyone else is trying to cook their dinner (6 pm-9 pm). To keep your flatmates friendly, only take up all of the oven space/all of the hobs in between dinner times.
To conclude, try your best to stay clean, tidy, and respectful. Your flatmates are your first port of call for making friends, so don’t piss them off by mistreating the kitchen. Good luck!