Is sharing and renting a flat in your first year a good idea?

I wouldn't...in your first year you are going to need to be so focussed on your schooling that having to work a part time job to pay for part of the rent of a flat would be an unnecessary distraction i would think...some universities don't even allow employment during your first year because of this...

I would have to say no, it is not a good idea. It is fraught with complications that will distract you from your primary purpose, which is to study, learn, and grow.

I went off-campus my third year, and at the end of that could not wait to get back on-campus for my final year. It offers a very small area to keep tidy (and to prevent you from accumulating junk), is close to the library, food service, and entertainment of all kinds. It is wonderful to go spend an evening or day with friends living off campus, and then return to the dormitory while they are stuck with squabbles over myriad things.

I have found that roommates can make you want to kill. It seems that one is always taking advantage of another or doing things that make life tough for the other. I've had really good friends move in with me and it turned out to be a disaster because they got into my business. You also need to know that if you sign a lease and one or all move out on you, anyone of you can be held responsible for all the rent and all damages. What should be fun ends up with someone having company over a lot and so you lose your privacy or one wants to party constantly so you cant study or have any privacy. Be very careful if you proceed and I would have a written (but not legal) letter that states who pays what, when there can be a lot of noise, who can stay over and how often, who cleans what and so forth and get it all in writing so there is no mistake. If you get done in the letter will not be legal although it is signed and dated by all but if you would need to sue someone because they moved out, it shows intent to the judge and you have something to throw in someone's face. I was told by my nephew that life on campus is loud and difficult for a serious student and the temptations are huge so he got his own place with one friend. It worked out for him but he is the kind that always turns out to be the user. Just don't get upset when you best things get borrowed and I hope no one turns out to be a thief or like me have a friend that always sabotaged my relationships and wanted me to get rid of my dog that I had forever. He peed on her pallet on the floor and I should have listened to my dog. Good luck.

No, you definitely do not want to do that. At least during your first year you should live in university accommodation. The transition to independent living will be more gradual. Then when you do move out and share, stay away from your school friends. You do not want to be seen as an unfriendly clique.

Just make sure you all get along very well. Set house rules before you even move in to avoid issues. Make sure they are people that you can trust!