By Cordell Punter, Community Subeditor
We're back with another edition of our Agony Aunt column! Read on to find out how to cope with irritating landlords and awkward freshers' friendships, as well as what to do when living with a Doctor Who obsessed flatmate!
“My landlord keeps sending contractors who practically trash out clean flat”
The evil landlord strikes again. Firstly, it is important to document everything such as when contractors arrive, communications and photos. This can then be used as proof for when you contact your landlord. If you feel safe to do so then you could potentially confront the contractors. If the landlord is persistently unresponsive to this then you can escalate via Bristol City Council, where you can report a rogue landlord if you believe they are making you unsafe (e.g. electrical rubbish). They will only intervene if the property breaks legal standards.
“I’ve only been at uni for 2 days, and I’m already having concerns about my flat. They have adopted a girl who is really cold towards me for no reason, and I don’t know what to do!”
Ah, that friend. Annoyingly in life people will be distant to you for reasons that have nothing to do with you – don’t let this internalise especially in this new environment. This one person’s position won’t define everyone’s opinion of you and (hopefully) they aren’t always around. Why not arrange for your flatmates and you to go out as a group, or a game/quiz night for example. This will allow you as a group to come together, and even if she is always frosty then you can win over your actual flatmates!
“My housemate is obsessed with Doctor Who, what do I do?”
Okay Agony Aunt has only watched one episode in 2016, so I am a bit rusty. Here’s some important characters:
- The Doctor – Currently Ncuti Gatwa (previously Sex Education, interestingly born in Rwanda). However, he is stepping down from the role and currently the frontrunners for the role are Billie Piper and Josh O’Connor. Oh, and say your favourite doctor was David Tennant.
- TARDIS – a time machine which stands for ‘Time and Relative Dimension(s) in Space’
- Sonic Screwdrivers – seems to be a wand (is the Doctor a wizard?)
- Key villains – Daleks (turret-things), Cybermen (looks like tin man from Wizard of Oz), and The Master (the villain).
But what’s the point of the show? Well, The Doctor is essentially going around trying to liberate suppressed people from around the world, so the opposite of Donald Trump. Which is nice.
“I got into a casual relationship over summer, but we go to different unis and I can’t visit him often. Should I break it off to save myself heartbreak later on?”
The romance. Summer flings can come out of no where, and they can evolve into more. If you feel as though this connection is worth continuing despite distance, then there is no harm in continuing to try and maintain it. Having a long-distance partner can feel draining but it does offer the comfort and the overall link to home that you may not have at university. However, if it feels as though it is too draining you can step back and talk to them and be honest. Together you can find the best solution for the both of you. Whatever you do make sure it protects you and makes you feel happy.
The closest relationships are incredibly important to have, as it enables you to have someone to relate to from your hometown. However if you feel as though you cannot maintain the relationship, and you think it is best to separate, have the conversation with them, maybe they feel the same and you could work something out together.
Read last month's Agony Aunt here:
Cordell Punter
Do you need advice, or have a problem you want to share? Send contributions to epigramcommunitysection@gmail.com, or DM @epigrampaper_ on Instagram. Look out for submission boxes on Instagram stories as well!
Featured Image: Romina Trevino Santa Cruz
