... But it can also be a little daunting, particularly if you're worried about living with flatmates for the first time. It’s important to remember that everyone is in the same boat, and you’re all going to be adjusting to your new home at the same time, so it's key that you support each other.

Take a look at some tips for how to get on with your flatmates at university.

Break the ice: The first step in making friends with your flatmates is to break the ice. It's always awkward when no one knows each other, and everyone is getting used to their new surroundings, but once you’ve had your first chats, you will probably find that it gets a lot easier. Introduce yourself and ask each other questions, such as where you’re all from, what you’re studying, and what your hobbies are.

Spend time together: Once you've got to know your flatmates a little, try to spend some time together. This could be as simple as having a cup of tea or coffee together in the kitchen, or watching a movie or TV show together. You could also arrange to cook a meal together, or go out for a drink or to explore the local area.

Be respectful: It's important to be respectful of your flatmates and their space. Make sure you keep communal areas clean and tidy, tell your flatmates if you’re inviting guests to your flat and avoid making too much noise. Your flat is a space that belongs to everyone living there, so make sure you take into consideration the other people that you live with.

Communicate: Communication is key to making friends with your flatmates and avoiding any unnecessary conflict. If you're having any issues or problems, make your flatmates aware of them in a calm manner when they first arise. Letting things build up can lead to hostility, and usually most issues can be resolved quickly and easily by just having a quick chat about it.

Join in: University is a great opportunity to try new things, so make sure you join in with your flatmates. Organising a flat night in, or a trip out to explore the city is a great way for you all to bond. Do your first big supermarket shop as a group, or pop into town to pick up some stuff to help decorate your flats. You’ll get to know your flatmates more during the process and learn what they like.

Be yourself: Finally, it's important to be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not in order to fit in with your flatmates. The best way to make friends is to be genuine and honest about who you are. If you feel like you’re not clicking with your flatmates, it’s not the end of the world! There are plenty of other ways to make friends and join communities at University.