Power of flatmates

Sharing an apartment with others has been one of the best learning experiences I have had in Adelaide so far.

Would you like to be the person who lives in the studio and spends time by yourself or live in the apartment and compromise your privacy to gain some other merits?

If I had asked the same question before this semester, I would have chosen the first one and gained a more peaceful environment. Because of my limited budget and my desire to live in the city, however, I eventually chose to reside in the current accommodation where I share a room with other three flatmates.

I still vividly remember the first week in my current accommodation. After I finished moving every piece of luggage into the room, I knocked on the doors of other flatmates and said hi to them. To be honest, I was a bit anxious, not sure if I would be able to get along with them well.

Finding the right accommodation never went easy. Especially if you have never visited Adelaide, it becomes more challenging. I was privileged to have a friend who finished his degree a few years ago before I moved here. He helped me define the scope and decide around which area I should reside based on my first preference.

It took more time than I expected; I could not find good accommodation online and so stayed in the hotel for the first few weeks while doing inspections.

That is why being able to meet these amazing people in the current accommodation was a blessing for me. They welcomed me to this new home with their open-mindedness.

One of the moments when I felt living in the accommodation was nice was in mid-semester break. During the break, if you are living far from your family and friends, and spending time, it is easy to feel anxious and worry about the future.

Having people who talk to me and care about my state, however, taught me the power of empathy which reduced my isolation. They are a mental health ally for me.

If you would like to share your own story about mental health or hear similar stories, attend events during Mental health awareness month, click here for the full list.

For finding good accommodation, I recommend visiting the accommodation officer at the university. You can also refer to accommodation in Adelaide from South Australia's official website and find the best room/house for you.