Housemate hell: One in three students admit they regret their choice of housemates
12 September 2024
- New research from Co-op Insurance reveals reveals that one in three (33%) UK students admit that they wish they could change who they live with
- Data from the member-owned business also shows that over half (56%) say that there’s always one person that’s hard to live with.
- When it comes to fellow housemates, the majority (53%) of UK students consider bad hygiene to be their biggest pet hate.
- This comes as Co-op Insurance provides insights into student living, with many without renters insurance to cover their valuables.
As students return for their second semester, research from Co-op Insurance reveals that student living can sometimes be less than harmonious as one in three (33%) admit that they wish they could change who they live with.
The member-owned business has also highlighted that the majority (56%) of the nation’s students find that there’s always someone that’s hard to live with. Meanwhile, more than two-fifths (43%) worry they will lose their deposits because of their housemates.
The seeds of this disharmony among housemates will likely have been sowed in the perceived lack of cleanliness among one another, with more than half (53%) of those surveyed stating that bad hygiene and messiness are the worst traits of a housemate.
This is closely followed by eating other people’s food (38%), as well as not transferring money owed (28%) and playing loud music (27%).
| Top 10 Student Pet Hates | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Bad hygiene |
| 2. | Messiness |
| 3. | Eating other people's food |
| 4. | Not transferring money owed |
| 5. | Playing loud music |
| 6. | Taking a long time in the bathroom |
| 7. | Snoring |
| 8. | Leaving the lights on |
| 9. | Bringing guests over without consulting others |
| 10. | Using up all the toilet roll |
During this academic year, four-person accommodation is the most popular living arrangement, with almost a quarter of students (24%) choosing to live with three others, while nearly 1 in 10 (8%) students will be living alone.
Meanwhile, when it comes to prized possessions, air fryers and VR headsets are among the items that students cannot live without, with laptops, clothes and headphones also cited as essential valuables.
However, with the average student spending over four and a half hours out of their accommodation each day, nearly half (48%) don’t have renters insurance, which means they won’t have adequate cover for their prized possessions both in and out of the house.
With contents valuations as high as £50,000 among 18-24-year-olds and laptops and TVs making up the top three most claimed for items by renters, a lack of protection for valuables could leave students out of pocket in the event of theft or damage. *
Indeed, over one in five (23%) students have gone on to purchase renters’ insurance, having been influenced in their decision by their parents and friends.
Andrew Nevitt, Head of Co-op Renters Insurance, said: “Going off to university is an exciting time. From cooking for yourself to sharing a house with new people, your time as a student offers so many rich experiences.
“When it comes to student living, whether it’s keeping clean or not eating other housemates’ food, Co-op Insurance’s research shows that there are certainly dos and donts to student life. However, when you’re living away from home, it’s important to protect your valuables and prized belongings, whether that’s whilst in the house or on the go.
“We’re therefore encouraging students to consider purchasing renters insurance, to help give them invaluable peace of mind whilst they enjoy their studies, and all that university life has to offer.”
Co-op Insurance offers renters insurance, in partnership with Urban Jungle insurance, which provides renters with better value and protection. The product is designed to protect personal belongings instead of the property and with a range of add-ons, it can be tailored to suit the needs of the tenant. It also provides more flexibility, allowing you to only pay for the months you actually need cover for.
For more information visit:https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/home-insurance/renters-insurance
-ENDS-
Notes to the Editor Research based on survey of 1000 students (18+) conducted between 07.08.2024-13.08.2024.
*Data from Urban Jungle
Top 10 best traits of a housemate: 1. Cleanliness 2. Looking out for others 3. Taking out the bins/recycling 4. Making communal meals/food 5. Fixing household issues e.g. Wi-Fi 6. Making cups of tea/coffees 7. Organising parties/gatherings 8. Buying the toilet roll 9. Respectfulness 10. Friendship
Top 10 prized possessions: 1. Laptop 2. TV 3. Headphones 4. Clothes 5. Games consoles 6. Make up/beauty products 7. Coffee machine 8. Sound system/speaker 9. House plants 10. Sports equipment
Top five contents claims: 1. TVs 2. Phones 3. Laptops 4. Jewellery 5. Bikes
For more information, please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk
About Co-op
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates almost 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 6,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing 56,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11 billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.