7 Personalities of Masters Flatmates

Postgraduate accommodation can be a funny place to be. Unlike undergraduate degrees, a Masters is a lot more intense and so people tend to reveal themselves quicker. Whether you’re in official university halls or are renting your own space in a postgrad house, you’ll probably come across at least some of these flatmate personalities.

#1 The eternal student

We’ve all heard the term ‘panic Masters’ and this is exactly what the eternal student is doing. They loved their undergraduate life, whether that be for the regular socialising, flexible start hours or good campus cafes to work in. While the Masters degree is certainly putting the pressure on, they still think they can party every weekend and start their coursework at the last minute. Their misuse of time is probably why they still haven’t learnt to cook, relying on a diet entirely of beige food.

There’s no denying this person is a bit of a mess (and often causes one in their wake) but they have a heart of gold and the purest intentions. While you should never push people into anything, it might be worth taking this flatmate to a careers fair someday.

#2 The walking stress machine

While all your housemates probably carry some form of stress, this person goes above and beyond. Unlike the eternal student who has Netflix marathons in the library, this flatmate actually works the whole 8-hour stint.

You only ever see them coming and going with a backpack full of books and a stack of papers in hand. Every deadline was yesterday and the only time you talk to them is during their designated 20-minute dinner break. It’s likely they’re a law-conversion student and you can guarantee they have the most aesthetic notes out of everyone taped across their wall.

#3 The homebird

The cleanest flatmate to live with is the homebird because they’re basically never there. This person typically goes home every weekend and returns with a bunch of homecooked frozen meals in hand to see them through the next week. On the rare occasion they do stay around you’ll still never see them as they likely have a cousin or two in the city they’d rather hang out with.

Their aloofness to the flat is nothing personal. They’ll pay their way and be respectable housemates but they’re more focused on maintaining current relationships than building any long-lasting new ones.

#4 The PhD student

Somehow in many Masters flats a PhD student sneaks in. Older and seemingly wiser, they’re probably just as new to the city as you are. While they’re doing a more advanced degree you do wonder why they seem awfully relaxed. That’s because they’re at the start of a long marathon while you’re running a sprint.

They keep their space clean, cook fairly well (or at least buy good takeout) and will probably develop some sort of comprehensive review system for the best food and drinks places around town.

#5 The career climber

Probably the most controversial housemate in a Masters flat is the career climber. They have their life together, know exactly what they’re doing and where they’re going. They will probably be doing a vocational degree, dedicating almost every waking hour to their passion. Yet somehow, they still make time to clean the flat, batch cook lunches for the week and set up all the utility bills.

While this person is lovely, they may unintentionally make you question why you’re not equally as driven, organised or decisive. You’ll either find this person inspirational or terrifying. Don’t worry too much about keeping up. Every person goes through life at their own pace, so enjoy your personal journey!

#6 The ghost

While lots of the personalities listed so far are absent from the flat most of the time, there’s nobody more vacant than the ghost. A constant enigma, you never know whether they’re in or out. They don’t seemingly have a routine and on the rare occasion you do bump into them it could be 3am or 3pm.

You’ve added them to the WhatsApp group and while they read every message they’ll never respond. It’s unlikely you’ll get this person to join you for any flat activities but it’s always polite to invite them. Then, one day, you’ll notice that all of their stuff has gone and, somehow, they left without a word or a trace!

#7 The international student

Last, and most certainly not least, is the international student. Of course, not every person who has ever studied abroad is the same. While some may be quite reserved to start, others will be extremely enthusiastic. It’s likely they’ll be keen to make friends and experience everything the university and city has to offer which is great for making weekend plans.

As hard workers they’ll always hold up their share of the chores, but you’ll likely see a little less of them when deadlines come around. One thing they will never slow down on is video calls as they update their family and friends on their life. If they’re seemingly unsure, it’s worthwhile being patient. Soon they’ll fit right in!

A huge array of people take on postgraduate study and while these are some of the common personality tropes you may come across, the diversity is endless. A postgraduate flat can be very different from undergraduate housing. While the intensity of a Masters can be stressful it can also quickly bond you to the people you live with, forming a unique little family to cherish over the coming years.

You may also like...