Dealing with free riders in team projects, whether it’s for a Final Year Project (FYP) or a work assignment, can be frustrating and demoralizing for those carrying the weight of the project. Free riders, those who contribute minimally or inconsistently, often leave teammates feeling burdened and disappointed. However, addressing the issue early on can prevent it from worsening over time. The first step in tackling this issue is to diagnose the problem carefully rather than jumping to conclusions. Reflect on why you perceive the person as a free rider—are they missing meetings, consistently failing to meet expectations, or perhaps struggling with clarity around their tasks? It’s worth considering whether they have other significant commitments like part-time work or family obligations that might be affecting their availability. Additionally, assess whether the group dynamics are supportive; sometimes teammates feel sidelined if their ideas are ignored or if they’re assigned tasks that don’t align with their strengths, which can affect their motivation to contribute.