Flatmates stealing your cheese from the fridge? We can help

One common issue students face is dealing with those pesky food thieves in shared kitchens. If you think your flatmates are helping themselves to your food without asking, here are some tips on handling the situation calmly and keeping the peace.

Don’t jump to conclusions

Before you confront anyone, it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Shared fridges and cupboards can get messy, and it’s easy for food to get moved around or accidentally used by someone who thinks it’s theirs. Double-check where you’ve put your food and consider if there’s been any mix-up. 9 out of 10 flatmates won't steal your food and if they do, it's completely unintentional.

If it is intentional then there is also the chance it has something to do with their financial situation. In these cases, it is better to be sensitive towards their troubles and try to help them instead. You can always contact the wellbeing team if you are concerned about your flatmate.

Label your food clearly

A simple way to avoid confusion is to label your food with your name. This makes it clear what belongs to you and can prevent any accidental mix-ups. You can use stickers, masking tape, or even a simple note written directly on the packaging. Labelling can make it easier for everyone to keep track of what’s theirs. We'd recommend only using your own name as a label so it doesn't come across in a passive-aggressive way.

Communicate with your flatmates

If you suspect someone is taking your food, the best first step is to chat with your flatmates. Start the conversation casually, without accusations. For example, you might say, “Hey, I noticed some of my food has been disappearing from the fridge. Has anyone accidentally used it?” This opens up the discussion without putting anyone on the defensive. If the problem persists, suggest having a quick flat meeting to discuss kitchen rules. This can be a good opportunity to establish clear guidelines on food sharing and storage.

Establish clear rules for sharing food

Some flats find it easier to share certain items, like milk, butter, or sauces, rather than each person buying their own. If you’re open to this, discuss it with your flatmates and agree on what’s fair. You could create a shared shopping list for communal items that everyone agrees to contribute to. This way, the basics are always stocked, and there’s less confusion about what belongs to whom.

Organise the kitchen

A cluttered kitchen can lead to confusion over whose food is whose. Keeping the kitchen organised can help prevent misunderstandings. Assign each flatmate their own shelf or section in the fridge and cupboards. This makes it easy to see what belongs to everyone and reduces the chances of food going missing. Storing your food in clear, labelled containers can help keep your items separate and easily identifiable. It also helps keep the fridge tidy, which benefits everyone.

What to do if the problem persists

If you’ve tried communicating and organising, but the problem continues, we can help resolve the situation. You can either contact your reception/Welcome Point or the Res X Social Responsibility team:

• 0115 748 7600
• resx@nottignham.ac.uk

Dealing with food theft in shared accommodation can be frustrating, but it’s important to handle the situation with care to maintain a good relationship with your flatmates. Clear communication, organisation, and a bit of understanding can go a long way in resolving the issue.