12 Tips For Sharing A Fridge At University
Sharing a common space can be difficult, especially in regards to food. We're all guilty of being 'hangry' at times which can lead to some major arguments!
After a long day of lectures or work, you or your housemates may be guilty of raiding the one fridge in the house, with somebody 'accidentally' taking another's content. With the opportunity for people to get heated when missing food is involved, it is important that 'by-laws' are set.
To ease any tension, we've put together a list of top refrigerator tips to get you through your university year unscathed and food intact.
1. Divide Shelves Equally
If your fridge has enough shelves, why not use a shelf each? Perhaps not ideal depending on the number of housemates, but it is the easiest option to keep food separated, leaving no excuses.
2. Create A Fridge Cleaning Rota
While it may not appeal initially, it will save arguments. Anything dodgy will be thrown out before it affects any other food, and your friendships!
3. Contain Those Smelly Foods
Takeaway leftovers? Don't just it leave half open in the fridge. Transfer it to an airtight container to conceal the smell and as an added bonus, save space. Containing the food will also contain any mould if left for too long.
4. Label Your Food
Purchase a label maker, use stickers or even just a sharpie and get your name on your food! That way there is no excuse for people 'mistakenly' taking your food, and if you add use by dates to the label, you won't be in for a nasty shock if left too long.
5. Cook The Leftovers
If you have leftovers at the end of the week, why not pool them together and create a large evening meal to share? This will then clear the fridge before your weekly shop, and bring everyone together for a great evening in.
6. Set Rules For Sharing Condiments
Share those condiments! Items like tomato sauce and butter are mostly going to be used by everyone so take turns in purchasing new ones. Set up rules in deciding what foods and condiments are a free for all and which ones are yours and yours alone.
7. Clean Your Spills
Don't be that person! If you've spilled something out of a container or bottle, clean it straight away before it sticks and leaves an unwanted smell. Make sure to clean it even if it is not your turn on the rota to clean the fridge.
8. Remove And Replace
If you're the one that has just finished the last of the tomato sauce or milk that you're all sharing, replace it! There's nothing worse then going to make a cup of tea and finding your housemate has used the last of the milk.
9. Share Your Perishable Foods
If you have fruit or other perishable items in the fridge that you know are going to go bad, why not offer it to your housemates? It saves wastage and they may return the favour the next week!
10. Say It Outright
Except for labeling your food with your name, what's a more obvious statement then just saying outright what people can and can't take? If you're dying to eat that leftover pizza the next evening, then be blunt with your housemates and say it can't be taken. Maybe you're happy to share it! In which case let them know so they too can enjoy it the second time around.
11. Make Use Of The Freezer
Refrain from taking up unnecessary space. Could you put your airtight contained leftovers in the freezer rather than the fridge? Save space and use that freezer compartment; even better if you have a standalone freezer!
12. Don't Leave Messages
One of the worst things you could do is leave a passive aggressive (or fully aggressive!) note on the fridge door. Yes it can be heartbreaking if someone has stolen your last beer, but it will make for a very awkward time if you and your housemates are at eachothers throats over a magnetic letter message you left. Speak up, make the point, and you never know, you may get bought a few more as an apology.
Do you have any other vital tips for sharing a fridge with your housemates? Do you pool together your money for one big shopping trip, or do you prefer to just shop for yourself? Leave a comment below!
