I am a light sleeper. What can I do?

We understand that sharing a room with other volunteers can sometimes be an adjustment, particularly if you are a light sleeper. As with any shared living environment, different people may have different schedules, habits, and routines.

In most cases, the best starting point is to have a friendly conversation with your roommate or roommates. Open communication often helps everyone find a balance that works for the whole room, whether that involves agreeing on quiet times, being mindful of lights, or respecting each other's sleep schedules where possible.

We also recommend bringing or purchasing earplugs and a sleep mask if you know you are particularly sensitive to noise or light. These simple items can make a significant difference in helping you feel comfortable in a shared accommodation setting.

If, despite these measures, you continue to experience difficulties, please speak to a member of staff. Where availability allows, we may be able to arrange a room move or room swap. However, as room allocations depend on occupancy levels, room configurations, and operational requirements, this cannot be guaranteed and will always be subject to availability.

While we will always do our best to support volunteers and encourage respectful behaviour within shared rooms, it is important to remember that room sharing is a core part of the volunteering experience and some level of compromise is often needed from everyone involved. We encourage volunteers to approach shared living with patience, understanding, and open communication, helping create a positive environment for all.