Conflict between roommates is as old as student accommodation itself. Dirty dishes pile up in the sink, music is played too loudly at 2 am, and disagreements about cleaning rotas simmer until they boil over. However, new data from the GSL Index reveals that conflict with other residents is becoming a more pressing concern for students, and many are seeking support to navigate it.
Drawing on insights from over 48,000 students across more than 1,500 properties in the UK and Ireland, GSL’s latest collaboration with CUBO, Building Connections: The Power of Residence Life in Student Experience, reveals a notable increase in demand for assistance navigating conflict within residences. This suggests that the need for support in building physical communities and managing interpersonal challenges is only likely to grow.
The importance of relationships
The GSL Index data highlights that relationships with others are the number one driver of a sense of belonging for students. However, conflict between residents remains a significant barrier to building those connections. Many students report that conflicts with other residents are common and negatively impact their relationships. When asked what one thing they would change about their accommodation experience, students frequently call for clearer structures and support in managing conflict:
“More supervision must be in place when there are conflicts among flatmates.”
“Establish clear and structured rules for the shared space, particularly in the kitchen, rather than leaving it entirely up to the residents. Clearly assign or define that each student is entitled to one designated compartment in the fridge or cupboard. This will ensure fairness and prevent conflicts over shared resources.“
“Make rotas for cleaning and tidying up saves a lot of conflict”
“I would say that the cleanliness of the kitchen should be maintained and supervised by the management because I have seen this is a major factor of conflict between the flatmates and this is a destructive factor for the social relationships.”
These comments suggest that students view provider-enforced rules as helpful tools rather than as restrictions – either to prevent conflict from arising in the first place or to lend authority to difficult conversations with peers.
The interpersonal skills gap
Part of the challenge lies in what may well be a fundamental skills gap. Recent research from Yugo highlights that only 26% of students have been taught how to handle difficult conversations, and just 22% have been taught about respectful roommate etiquette. Many Gen Z students have not had the opportunity to develop conflict navigation skills before arriving at university.
However, this lack of preparation has consequences. When conflicts persist without resolution, research shows that students often shift into what sociologist Emerson describes as ‘legal consciousness’ – focusing more on enforcing rules because relationships are seen as lost: “roommates turn to legal concepts and terminology as they come to despair of fixing and maintaining their relationship with the other, begin to formulate specific rules to try to control the trouble.” Once this happens, rules become a means of control rather than a framework for cooperation.
Students’ desire for rotas and clear rules around cleaning and shared spaces needs to be understood in this context. Rather than reflecting a preference for rigid structures, students may be seeking provider-enforced rules as a protective measure – a structure that helps them navigate difficult conversations before relationships deteriorate to the point where repair feels impossible. Clear rules from the outset may help students maintain focus on preserving relationships rather than enforcing boundaries after trust has broken down.
Solutions
While conflict between residents is inevitable, it can be turned into a learning opportunity. A proactive, multi-level strategy can make all the difference:
1. Build conflict resolution skills
Workshops on active listening, empathy, negotiation, and difficult conversations can give students the confidence to address issues before they escalate. For residence life teams, training in mediation, de-escalation, and culturally responsive practices ensures they can step in effectively when needed. Research highlights the importance of framing conflict as a developmental opportunity and treating conflict skills as part of students’ holistic development, and critical to mental health.
2. Set clear expectations
From day one, establish transparent guidelines around communal spaces and shared responsibilities. Cleaning rotas, fridge allocations, and regular check-ins can prevent many disputes. The key is to present these structures as community-building tools rather than top-down enforcement, giving students a framework for cooperation rather than control.
3. Use technology to support early intervention
Platforms such as StarRez allow students to create digital roommate agreements and provide ongoing feedback, flagging emerging conflicts before they escalate. There is also some evidence that AI and IoT tools are being used by accommodation providers for real-time monitoring of noise and other potential triggers.
4. Keep the human element central
Technology can help, but it is no substitute for skilled, empathetic residence life staff. Mediation, guided conversations, and a visible support presence remain critical to maintaining healthy communities.
5.Take a data-driven approach
Using data such as GSL Index data to help you understand what’s working and where additional support is needed.
Looking forward
The rise in conflict-related support requests highlighted by the GSL Index presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Students are asking for help in managing conflict – providers have the chance to respond with approaches that have the potential to reduce tension and complaints but also equip young people with essential skills for life beyond university.
The answer lies in combining skills training, clear expectations, and supportive technology – anchored by human connection.
Join the conversation
Conflict management in student accommodation will be a key topic at GSL Live 2025 on 16th October in London, where we’ll explore practical strategies for supporting students in navigating interpersonal challenges. We’d love to see you there to continue this important conversation.
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The GSL Index is the world’s leading student insight platform and performance improvement tool for both university and private student accommodation providers. Throughout the year, the GSL Index surveys hundreds of thousands of students across 15 countries and in 15 different languages on all aspects of their student accommodation experience.
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References
Emerson, Robert M. “Responding to roommate troubles: Reconsidering informal dyadic control.” Law & Society Review 42, no. 3, 483-512, 2022.
Bos, Lindsey A. “Developing Conflict Resolution Skills in Residential Students at Higher Education Institutions.” 2024.
GSL & CUBO, Building Connections: The Power of Residence Life in Student Experience, (2025).
Ude, Joy. “Analyzing Conflict Resolution Strategies in Residential Life as Tools for Student Affairs Leadership Development and Campus Harmony”, International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews. Vol 6. 4761-4779, 2025.
Yugo, Life Skills for Students: How Prepared are Students for University? Yugo. 2025.
