So what's the most stressful part of being a student? Coursework deadlines? Lack of cash? Or matters of the heart? Answer: None of the above.

In actual fact, the biggest headache for a student or anyone living in a shared house is: 'Who hasn't done their washing up?!' As ridiculous as that may sound, ask anyone who lives with more then one person and they'll be sure to give you the same answer.

Domestic bliss?

When house hunting, our priorities tend to be location, amenities and security. But most of us forget to pay closer attention to the people we're actually willing to commit nine months of our lives with. Once you've signed that contract, that's it - you're stuck with them!

So the question that really needs to be answered is: even if you consider them to be friends, what are these people really like?

For example, one of your perspective housemates may have aspirations of becoming a professional DJ (which comes in handy for all the house parties you'll no doubt be planning). But do you really want to listen to the latest drum 'n' bass offering in the early hours of the morning when you have a 9am exam?

Nobody wants to be given the nickname Victor Meldrew but one way of discovering friends' quirky habits is to ask their existing housemates. They'll be able to give you the low down on what they're like.

Here's our Top five run down of what to be aware of when looking for a housemate.

You may end up resenting your housemates if your course is a full Monday-Friday, 9-5 when everyone else has a combined schedule of less than 30 hours per week. Chances are they'll be partying until all hours of the day and won't get up until well after Neighbours - could you really hack that if you have to struggle up for a 9am lecture or are working odd shifts?

Hands off!

Known for their "borrowing" (taking your possessions without permission and with no intention of returning them).

They feel no guilt in pinching your milk or borrowing your brand new top that you bought especially for your hot date with the gorgeous trainee doctor - and then returning it either stretched, creased or thrown onto the bedroom floor underneath last night's takeout pizza.

Your housemates' partner will be like the extra black rubbish bag - no matter how hard you try, it'll never quite fit in and nobody will ever take it away. You'll also soon end up feeling like an unwanted guest in your own home as they play tonsil tennis and communicate in silly voices while hogging the sofa all night.

If you can sense a lovers' tiff brewing, get out quick - otherwise you'll end up feeling more awkward than a phone going off in a cinema.

Don't you just hate it...

Constant arguments about who's turn it is to clean the bath and who's pasta sauce has spilled onto the hob can be the downfall of many a friendship.

Be wary of people who've lived in halls of residence where a cleaner is provided - they may be accustomed to this luxury and think that you are in fact the live-in maid. To try and combat this problem, try to set up a rota so that everybody does their fair share. And finally...

Perfect housemates?

Prepare for a year of sleepless nights if you decide to co-habit with one of the rugby team. Your oval ball-chasing housemate will come back nearly every night hideously drunk from their dentist chair escapades and other hilarious drinking games. The chances are he'll also bring back the entire team to continue the bonding.

Also, find out when he has training so that as he walks through the door you can demand him to take off his disgustingly dirty muddy boots. Better still, line the hallway with newspaper otherwise the mud will get trampled into the carpet - and it won't just be taken out of his deposit!

There are many things that can go wrong whilst living with other people, but the trick is to get it right from the start so that friendships will remain in tact at the end of the year. I hope these pointers help you to find the perfect housemate and that you have an amazing, argument free year!

Have you got any housemate horror stories or tips for harmonious living? E-mail us at southampton@bbc.co.uk