If you're moving abroad for a master's, you'll probably share a flat. Rent and bills are the most common source of flatmate tension. Agree on the method before you sign, and most problems disappear.
Three ways to split rent
1. Equal split
Simple. Fair when rooms are similar. Unfair when one room is twice the size of another.
2. By room size
your share = rent × (your room m² ÷ total bedroom m²)
A variation splits common areas equally and bedrooms by size:
your share = (rent × common %) ÷ people + (rent × bedroom %) × (your m² ÷ total bedroom m²)
3. Weighted by features
Give each room points for size, en-suite, balcony, light, and noise, then split by points.
My Rent Split calculator does size-based splits instantly.
Bills
| Bill | Usual split | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Equal | Adjust if one person uses much more |
| Internet | Equal | |
| Water | Equal | Often included or fixed |
| Council tax (UK) | Equal if payable | Students are often exempt |
| TV licence (UK) | Per household or individual | Depends on use |
For energy cost estimates, see European Electricity Prices per kWh or UK Energy Price Cap.
Avoiding disputes
- Write down the agreement: method, due dates, who pays what.
- Use a shared expenses app so nobody fronts money for months.
- One person pays, everyone reimburses within X days.
- Agree on heating before winter. This is the biggest argument starter.
- Document the deposit inventory with photos on move-in day.