Top Tips about Communal Kitchens
If you’re thinking about studying in Russia, one of the first things you’ll be thinking about is accommodations. You might decide to stay in a flat with roommates, with a host family or you might organize a shared flat provided by Liden & Denz. Whatever the case, you’ll likely end up sharing space with people and one of the most vital places is the kitchen. Here are six tips to make the most of your stay and ensure you all get along.
Timing
Pick a good time to use the kitchen, especially if it’s small. Peak times are usually around eight in the morning, noon and six to seven in the evening, so I’d try to work around that. It was actually quite nice early in the morning as the whole building would be quiet, even the receptionist would be asleep behind the desk. That’s a plus to getting up early, and you get to take your time making breakfast.
Invest in Tupperware
I’d see if Tupperware is supplied and I’d bring a container or two if it’s not. It is way cheaper to cook for yourself than to go out every day, and it’ll probably wind up being healthier.
Where to store food
When storing groceries in the fridge or in the dry space, keep your belongings in the shopping bag it came with. If you leave things out in the open, it’s far more likely that people will take it Also, if there’s a communal section of dried goods, keep yours in a cupboard, in the bag so it won’t be confused with what’s offered by the hotel or hostel you’re staying in. Also, clarify what’s free. I just found out that the pasta’s been up for grabs this whole time.
Check the Utensils
Some of the pots and utensils look like they were bought new during the Soviet era. I’ve been using the same, least dubious looking pot and haven’t had problems with rust or finish winding up in my food. That might be something to keep a look out when you’re sifting through reviews.
Hygiene
Be courteous and clean up after yourself. If you’ve ever lived in a dorm, you’d have an idea as to how troublesome it can be to have to work around the mess of twenty other people. That being said, it is generally a good idea to air on the side of caution and to rinse things before using them, even if they’ve been put away. The last thing you want is to use a cutting board with raw chicken residue.
Say Hello!
A great way to get to know people is to share a meal. You might offer them some of what you’ve been cooking, maybe trade and get to know local dishes.All in all, the kitchen is the most communal part of shared living and is a great way to make new friends and meet people from all over the world. So next time you run into someone in the morning, don’t hesitate to say hello!
