Posted 3 weeks ago
Mon 10 Nov, 2025 12:11 PM
Moving into university accommodation is a big step, and one of the most exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) parts is meeting your flatmates for the first time.
Whether you’re in halls or a shared house, starting conversations can feel a bit awkward at first. But don’t worry, everyone’s in the same boat, and a few simple chats can go a long way in building a friendly, respectful flat dynamic.
Here are some easy and meaningful conversation starters to help you settle in and connect with the people you’ll be living with.
Tips for great flat chats
- Be curious, not intrusive: Ask questions, but respect boundaries.
- Listen as much as you talk: Everyone wants to feel heard.
- Don’t force it, some people take longer to open up, and that’s okay.
- Celebrate the little things! A shared laugh or a cup of tea can go a long way.
Here are some examples of conversation starters you could use:
Start with the basics
When you first meet, keep it light and friendly, showing genuine interest in getting to know your flatmates can be really useful to help break the ice.
“Where are you from?”
“What course are you doing?”
“What made you choose Leeds?”
“Have you been to the city before?"
These questions help break the ice and show you’re interested in getting to know them.
Food, glorious food
Food is a universal topic and a great way to bond!
“What’s your go-to meal to cook?”
“Do you want to do a flat dinner sometime?”
“Any dietary stuff I should know about?”
You could even plan a themed food night such as pasta night, curry night, or a Sunday roast.
You could also share your culture by doing a cultural food night to share your background with your housemates, and learn more about theirs too!
Discuss TV, music, and hobbies
These topics can spark longer conversations and help you find shared interests:
“What are you watching right now?”
“Any favourite artists or playlists?”
“Do you play any sports or instruments?”
“Thinking of joining any societies?”
You might discover you both love the same band or want to try out the same club on campus.
If you are unsure where to start, take a look at our events page to see what's going on, there might be an event you can go to with your housemates.
Uni life and study tips
You’re all navigating university together, so it’s natural to talk about:
- How lectures and seminars are going
- Good places to study on campus
- Tips for managing deadlines or finding resources
- Funny or awkward moments from your course
It’s a great way to support each other if you're finding aspects of university challenging and share useful information you might have.
Flat life and shared living
It’s important to talk openly (and kindly!) about how you want to live together:
- Cleaning routines and shared responsibilities
- Noise levels and quiet times
- Having guests over
- Respecting each other’s space
Having these chats early on can help avoid misunderstandings later. If you need some help having these kinds of conversations you can always speak with your RLAs and Warden.
Fun stuff and future plans
When you feel like you know one another a bit better, you could start to discuss more personal subjects
“Any plans for the weekend?”
“What’s on your Leeds bucket list?”
“Any gigs or events you want to go to?”
“Where would you love to travel?”
Remember to keep it light and fun with your questions, this will encourage your housemates to be more comfortable around you.
You don’t need to be best friends with your flatmates, but a bit of effort to connect can make your living situation more comfortable and enjoyable.
Start with small conversations, be kind, and let things grow naturally. You might be surprised how quickly a flat can start to feel like home.
