How to have your own sitcom flat-share | Guide

THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I CRACKED THE CODE. You’ve always wondered how to recreate the amazing flat-share turned into lifelong friendships? You always seem to recreate the Eddy and Chandler’s situation and wish you could actually experience something more like Chandler and the Friends.
After years of dedicated hard-work – wait let’s scratch that. After years of binging sitcoms, I finally found the common denominator.

Let’s have a look at the most famous flat-shares… (I purposely left out The Big Bang Theory flat-share because let’s be fair, no one wants to have Sheldon as a roomie and be told when to pee.)

1. Move in with your best friend from college

What happens: Two former college roommates who’ve been through thick and thin move in together right after graduation.

Why it works: They have been friends for years and share the same interests. Plus, they already know their flatmate’s annoying habits.

How to make it happen: Ring your former college flatmates and see which one is still in town. As a backup plan, you can move in with your childhood friend/long-time best friend.

Case in point:

• Nick Miller and Schmidt from New Girl
• Ted Mosby and Marshall Eriksen from How I Met Your Mother

2. Introduce a new girl

What happens: Someone starts crushing on said new girl and then integrates her into the flat-share/group of friends.

Why it works: The newest addition to the group is fun and willing to make friends. She’s often new in town and needs someone to show her around.

How to make it happen: It’s time for you or your flatmate to get back out there! Download Tinder, meet someone at a party or reunite with an old friend… You can also write a roommate ad.

Case in point:

• Rachel Green in Friends
• Jess Day in New Girl (well, she’s the new girl herself)
• Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother

3. Add one annoying/crazy guy

What happens: An old or new friend is joining the group, but he has a separate apartment. That friend is the one you’re gonna regret introducing to the group, but you’re gonna be smart enough not to share a flat with him. He’s the Ross or the Barney and you frankly wonder how he got there.

Why it works: Nobody knows but there’s clearly a pattern. He’s entertaining, regularly introduces new people to the group and always down for fun activities.

How to make it happen: Hang out with some friends from uni and do not hesitate to get out more often to meet new people.

Case in point:

• Barney ‘chauvinist’ Stinson from How I Met Your Mother
• Ross ‘whining’ Geller from Friends

4. Make sure you have a lot of free time to hang out with your new group of friends

What happens: No one seems to have a job or a life plan.

Why it works: They have time to hang out at each other’s places, play games, share meals, celebrate on special occasions, and have inside jokes.

How to make it happen: Quit your job (that’s an extreme but efficient solution), work a part-time job or simply go to uni… And most importantly, the best way to make friends when you’re in a flat-share is to suggest activities.

Case in point:

• The FRIENDS don’t even have a ‘pla’
• Nick Miller and Winston Bishop barely work
• Marshall Eriksen studies law and Lily Aldrin is a preschool teacher

5. Decide on your favourite spot to hang out

What happens: Flatmates spend an unhealthy amount of time in various trendy spots such as a café, a bar or a pub.

Why it works: Alcohol brings people together, so do coffee and tea. Sharing special moments like these help strengthen the friendships among the group.

How to make it happen: Choose your go-to spot (choose wisely and according to your friends’ preferences. Do they fancy lattes or are they more of a pint enthusiast?) and meet up there at least once a day. If you’re a Brit, you already know the drill with your local…

Case in point:

• Central Perk in Friends
• The MacLaren’s Pub in How I Met Your Mother
• Nick’s bar (The Griffin) in New Girl

There now you have it! The magical recipe! Let’s do this and let me know how things are working out for you.

See you soon! x