I thought within this column I would take the time to dissect the nature of the common flatting experience. Tauranga has no student accommodation so it’s likely you will go flatting at some point, yet, if you are in Hamilton you will know of someone who is flatting, or may be so yourself. I digress.

The experiences of flatting itself are excellent, the learning of looking after oneself can be considered preparatory for future cohabitation-requiring relationships, and can have the added benefits such as sharing clothes (men do this too, sharing a perceived ‘lucky’ t-shirt in an attempt to win favour from forthcoming women). Additionally, you can count on fun experiences such as flat trips to outlets such as supermarkets and local bars, sometimes even the pharmacy for the ECP. An interesting point to consider when flatting is the sharing of candid life experiences (provided they are not your own.) Flatmates will provide hours of boundless entertainment and chances to compare/update your values with those around you. Great times can be had attempting to identify your flatmate’s latest STD and whether sex actually took place last night or not (if, say, there was a condom wrapper and drool on the pillow, your guess can be “yes.”) The heart beating thrills can be counted on from the flatmate who shares her somewhat regular pregnancy scares, who happens to be the one and the same flatmate who has managed to acquaint herself with an ex’s entire circle of friends.  Despite (or perhaps because of this) there are good things to be found while flatting. Personally, I was recently a bridesmaid for an ex-flatmate-now-friend, and have remained in touch with many wonderful people I have been privileged to live with. How about you? Flatting horror stories? Would you really want to go it alone if that were the alternative? Consider how the nightmare flatmate of now will allow you to appreciate your future co-habitation life friend; no more waking up to howling and crying in the toilet, no more listening to the drivel of the compulsive liar, no more wondering if the clothes that have disappeared are being given away to the girls your ‘out and about’ flattie has over whenever he is not holed away in his room with his good guy mate from out of town. There is the heart condition inspiring electricity bill that rockets when you realise that the flattie that spends a lot of time in his room actually has a full laser show going 24/7, complete with nightclub size speakers. You will learn to communicate and negotiate and find ways to cope with stress that will help you when you finally reach the employed world, and future flatting. Don’t underestimate the coping skills that will be acquired, these skills will last a lifetime, and all for the low cost of shared rent and an increased risk of slight insanity.