The house-hunting season is nearing its end. For the organised few, this is of little concern. With houses and friends already sorted in November, their smugness has polluted the air of first year halls.

However, what about the rest of us? For those panicking, the Tab has created a comprehensive guide on how to choose your housemates for the upcoming year:

Cleanliness

Straight off the bat, this creates largest division between housemates. Be sure to choose friends who have similar hygienic standards to yourself. If you enjoy the rotting smell of Sainsbury’s’ basics roaming your house 24-7, then perhaps skip this section. However, for many this is an underlying issue when living with others. Be sure to pick a group who understand your OCD habits and are willing to help in the cleaning department.

Not the ideal Kitchen to wake up to

…nor is this room

Sociable

While it is agreed working hours will inevitably increase in second and third years, this does not mean there should be a substantial reduction in the renowned student lifestyle. You’ll want people who are still willing to get plastered with you on the Clifton triangle (or Stokes Croft for you Baddock residents). Nobody wants a housemate who just stays in most nights ‘working’ (watching YouTube clips) leaving only 3/4 of you to go out from the house.

Is this your normal night in?

Gender

Had a crush on that girl/boy all of first year? Then do not live with them! Avoid living with anyone who you wish you were out of the ‘friend zone’ with. It will just make your emotions worse. Plus, I doubt your housemates appreciate the ‘bonking’ and inventible relationship arguments that will erupt. That said, mixed housing is a good idea. Close quarters with the opposite sex ensures you are not over-loaded with the habits of the same sex. Moreover, it allows greater opportunities to expand friendship groups and be introduced to the opposite sex’s friends.

Witnessing your housemates ‘at it’

Food

It is a good idea to get those with similar eating habits to you. If you are the health enthusiast who likely rows or swims, up at 5am everyday, find those who match this. On the other hand, if you are the pizza-loving, Jägerbomb sinking, #yolo lad…then ensure your housemates understand this. It is nice to cook meals together, saving on bills, so finding those with similar tastes is a good idea.

Do I treat myself today?

Final advice? Make sure you are okay with who you’re thinking of living with as it will be for a whole year. Understandably this is difficult having only known these people for a few months but ensure they match your requirements.