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Other than your choice of course, college and favourite Teletubby, choosing a flatmate is probably the most important decision of your academic life. You're unlikely to draw the short straw and get a mild-mannered axe-murderer but it's amazing how one small, irritating habit can drive you insane over time.

A recent survey highlighted ten of the things guaranteed to turn you into a basket case:

• using up the milk/marg/bread/tea/coffee and not buying any more.
• hair in the tub/ear buds by the sink/bath ring
• not washing up/buying washing up liquid
• not cleaning the toilet/peeing on the floor
• the phone bill
• band practice/choice of music (and the constant loud playing of...)
• smelly clothes around the house
• not having the dosh to pay the rent
• drinking all the vodka/Jack Daniel's/beer
• the flatmate's new girl/boyfriend

First look at yourself. Are you tidy or messy? Noisy or quiet? An early riser or party animal? Sporty or scary? Ask yourself what you want from a flatmate. Do you want a friend or someone who'll keep themselves to themselves? Do you want someone with similar extra-curricular or academic interests as yourself, someone of a similar religious or social background, or a good cook who doesn't mind cleaning the bog?

Establish whether you want to share a flat with any of your mates. If not, or you think you'll need extra people, advertise your requirements on college notice-boards and in your Accommodation Office

• try and give as much detail as possible: i.e. smoking/non-smoking etc.
• interview as many people as you can before making a decision
• ask questions that might reveal other facets in someone's character
• check personal details: dress, fingers (does this no-smoker have nicotine stains?)
• do they like classical music or drum'n'bass, going out or watching TV, hoovering or dusting?
• do they have a passion for kippers on Friday nights?