messyitis, dirtopic, filthoxy
These areĀ new terms that I've coined for those that have a fear or inability to clean up after themselves. I hate to think what people who are considering living with someone new whilst reading this site must be thinking with all these stories about filthy flatmates...
Jessica from the US wrote to me detailing her experiences with some UK flatmates...."I'm an American studying in the UK, and my 3 uni flatmates aren't weird, they're just vile! First, the kitchen: they will make a full 3 course meal, yet never put any of the food back in the refrigerator or clean the pots, pans, and plates they used. My refusal to tidy up after them only means things gets moldy, crusted, foul smelling, and I've come home from holiday to find large flies buzzing about the kitchen! Also, they throw rubbish in the bin, and even tie the bag up when full, but never take it out. There's about 10 bags of rubbish just sitting there unless I take them out. Next, the shower: the boys, quite frankly, pee in the shower, and they're proud of it! There's a growing yellow mark on one of the walls, not to mention that distinct smell... Finally, the cleptomania: I couldn't tell you who's been taking random things, but all of us have suffered from it. Problem is, I've often been woken up in the middle of the night by my flatmates talking loudly about how I must be the thief because I'm "American and all Americans hate England and English people" (Why would I fly across the Atlantic to study in a place I hated?Honestly). Despite having lost many an item as well money to the infamous clepto roaming our flat, I have been pegged as the guilty party. I even had a university official come in and check my room in front of them to show that I didn't have what they claimed was stolen. Their response? "She's hidden our stuff somewhere else then!". There's just no pleasing some people."
There's now been a couple of stories about people having all sorts of trouble with their international flatmates and so it got me to thinking - Are international flatmates worse than local ones? And if so, which country produces the worst flatmates? Leave your comments below!
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: slawek
EMAIL: ssslawek@hotmail.com
DATE: 2006-05-17 17:15:28
they simply dont like you, and wnat you to move out
i hope you ll find better mates
s
ps. read: The House Band
Comments
DATE: 2006-05-18 08:05:46
As a fellow American studying in the UK (for 3 years), I can vouch for the British untidiness. As well as the ignorant attitudes toward Americans. My old American flatmates got on my nerves occasionally, but the Brits? Dishes undone for up to two weeks! Even having the nerve to use my dishes without washing them. I can't imagine how it would have been if we'd not had a dishwasher. In a year, I didn't once see them sweep or mop our massive reception and kitchen. The dust bunnies were fuzzy, but not cuddley. The thieving came via the bills, but theft is theft.
My advice: get your own flat. However crap it is on your budget, at least it's your own.
Posted by: shara | July 10, 2006 08:44 AM
DATE: 2006-05-18 16:09:39
I am English and am tidy and hygenic so we are not all that bad! However, there is definitely a messy student stereotype for the English - particularly with the boys. They are bound to blame you for anything and everything as you are seen as the 'outsider' and obviously have different standards to them ie. normal
I am currently living in Australia with A German, Australian and French (2 working and 1 student) Your stories ring true to their disgustingly messy behaviour so it goes to show that skanky housemates are a global problem!!!!!!!
Posted by: Janet | July 10, 2006 08:44 AM
DATE: 2006-05-18 19:14:48
I had an american student sharing rent with me for about 6 months. The guy used to go on and on about how much better America is than any other country in the world, and how Australians are stupid. Apart from that he used to smoke inside, even though when interviewed he agreed to keep it outside like everyone else, he refused to feed my cat for the weekend when i went away because 'it's not his responsibility', he'd go on and on about how crap aussie beer is, then drink all my beer with his mates without asking, and once, he stole my bra off the line and put it in his bed when his mates came over and told them i'm a good root, even though we've never so much as kissed. He was an okay guy sometimes, but just too arrogant and selfish for it to work out. Nothing against all yanks though, they're an alright bunch.
Posted by: Liz | July 10, 2006 08:44 AM