You did it. You passed your Leaving Cert. Maybe you've accepted an offer from the CAO. But there's still one more hurdle to overcome before you can start your inimitable college years: finding a place to live. 

House hunting is a headache at the best of times, but it'll be especially difficult now that you're suddenly competing with around 18,000 other first years.

Here's what you need to do to ensure you don't end up regretting your housing decisions come the end of the first week.

1. Avoid house listings like this

2. Unless you intend on being a party animal, don't live with first years

It's all fun and games until you don't get your deposit back. 

3. Accept that people are going to eat your food

Joey wouldn't have survived if he'd went to college. 

4. It's ok though, you can eat theirs too

Remember: the glee you feel when you steal their food is the exact same way they feel when they take yours. 

5. Realise that with the economy you're going to have to make compromises

6. That said, it's important you retain some standard of living

7. Consider doing the washing up

The more people you live with, the quicker things will get out of hand. 

8. But don't be the one to create the cleaning rota

Not cool, Bro. 

9. Try not to let the place get like this

Even if it is an inevitability. 

10. If you're going home for the midtern, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD throw away your food

Because let's face it, you have issues cleaning up as it is. 

11. Unless you're friends with your housemates, keep your bedroom door locked

Even if you're best mates, maybe you should still consider locking it.

12. Do your housemates a favour every now and then

You never know when you might need your favour returned.

13. Accept the fact that your landlord is not going to like you

There's no point trying to appear normal when he or she pays you a visit; they can see the guilt written all over your face. 

14. That said, at least try to keep on their good side

You can forget about those crazy house parties once your landlord has their eye on you. 

15. Have a really hard think about who you want to live with next year 

Can you really handle losing out on your deposit again?

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