Hannah Linsley and Michael Loven, once a couple, found themselves in an unusual situation after their breakup: they had to live together for a year. What could have been an awkward or tense experience turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable.
The pair met during their first year at Bournemouth University in March 2023 and quickly became inseparable. After two years dating, they decided to move into a two-bedroom flat in September 2024 for the academic year. However, just one month before moving in, Michael ended their relationship, leaving Hannah heartbroken. With no time to find new tenants, they had no choice but to cohabit as flatmates.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster and moments of awkwardness—like stumbling upon each other on dating apps or unexpectedly crossing paths on nights out—they managed to maintain a friendly and fun living arrangement. Hannah, a 22-year-old psychology graduate from Portsmouth, admitted, “It’s actually been quite fun. I’d rather live with Michael because he’s tidy than be in a house with six people where the kitchen’s always a mess.”
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They experienced the challenges of single life intertwined with shared spaces, even matching each other as a joke on dating apps like Hinge. On Valentine’s Day, Hannah planned a girls’ night, and Michael surprised them by serving pizza dressed as a waiter. Although the possibility of rekindling their romance lingered—Michael suggested it in March 2025—they ultimately remained friends, acknowledging their complex feelings without pressure.
Michael, 23, who is preparing to finish his final year studying psychology, praised their cooperative living style: “We’d do food shopping together, and I helped sell some of her clothes online.” Now, both are moving forward as Hannah starts her new role as a behavioural support worker in Portsmouth, and Michael moves in with housemates for his last university year.
Their story is a testament to maturity and friendship, showing that sometimes, even after a breakup, living together can lead to unexpected fun and mutual respect.