Erase the Mess: How to Avoid Being the Least Favorite Erasmus Roommate

Good Hygiene, Good Roommates: Top Ten Tips for Erasmus Students in Athens

 
 

Erasmus Students coming to Athens, listen up!

You're about to have the time of your life!

But before you get too caught up in all the fun... remember that with great fun comes great responsibility.

Which is... the responsibility of maintaining good personal hygiene and cleanliness.

We get it: this isn't the most glamorous topic.

But it's essential to keep yourself and your roommates happy.

Here's why...

First of all, having good personal hygiene is vital for your health.

Keeping yourself clean will reduce the risk of getting sick and spreading germs to your housemates.

This is especially important in a co-living apartment because you will share many areas with your housemates.

Here are a few simple things you can do to ensure your hygiene is up to scratch:

  • take a shower regularly

  • brush your teeth twice a day

  • change your clothes regularly

  • wash your hands after using the toilet or handling raw food

Secondly, having good personal hygiene is essential for your confidence.

We all want to look and feel our best.

But that can be hard to do if you aren't taking care of yourself.

By taking the time to keep your body and clothes clean, you will be able to feel more confident and happy with yourself.

This will be especially useful when you are out and about in Athens, meeting new people.

In addition to boosting your confidence, good personal hygiene is crucial for maintaining positive relationships with your roommates.

As an Erasmus student, you'll want to build strong relationships with your roommates.

Good personal hygiene is key to making that happen.

Living with roommates in an apartment can be a great way to make new friends.

But it can also be a source of frustration if you and your roommates don't keep the place clean and tidy.

Not only can a dirty living space be unpleasant to be in, but it can also lead to health issues and conflicts.

Here are the ten most annoying things to avoid:

1. Dirty dishes left in the sink or on the counters for long periods.

Nothing is more frustrating than coming home after a long day of classes to find dirty dishes piled up in the sink. It is unsanitary and can also attract pests and create unpleasant odors.

2. Dirty or cluttered common areas, such as the living room or kitchen.

A dirty and cluttered living room or kitchen can make it difficult to relax or entertain guests and can also create a breeding ground for germs and pests.

3. Unpleasant odors from lack of personal hygiene or cleaning of living spaces.

Various things, such as dirty laundry, spoiled food, or lack of personal hygiene, can cause nasty smells. These odors can be unpleasant to be around and can also attract pests.

4. Leaving trash or food scraps on the floor or in shared spaces.

Leaving trash or food scraps on the floor or in shared spaces can attract pests, create unpleasant odors, and make it difficult to clean the living space.

5. Not cleaning up after oneself in the bathroom, such as leaving hair or toilet paper on the floor.

A dirty bathroom can be unsanitary and unpleasant to use and can also lead to conflicts with roommates.

6. Not replacing empty toilet paper rolls or other bathroom essentials.

Running out of toilet paper or other bathroom essentials can be a minor inconvenience. Still, it can also create conflicts with roommates if one person is consistently responsible for replacing these items.

7. Not taking out the trash regularly, leading to overflowing trash cans.

Not taking out the trash regularly can create unpleasant odors, attract pests, and make it difficult to clean the living space.

8. Not storing personal items, such as clothes or shoes, appropriately.

Personal items left out in shared spaces can create clutter and make it difficult to clean the living space.

9. Not being considerate of others when using shared spaces, such as playing loud music or having guests over at late hours.

Not being considerate of others when sharing spaces can create conflicts with roommates and make it difficult to relax in the living space.

10. Not communicating effectively with roommates about cleaning and hygiene issues.

Clear and effective communication with roommates is essential for maintaining a clean and pleasant living space and can prevent conflicts and misunderstandings.


Sharing an apartment with roommates can be a great experience, but it's essential to be mindful of cleanliness, tidiness, and personal hygiene.

By being considerate of your roommates and communicating effectively, you can help create a clean, pleasant living space that everyone can enjoy.

Cleanliness reduces the risk of spreading germs, bacteria, and other harmful organisms, improves air quality, reduces stress, and improves well-being.

Plus, a clean and organized living space can foster a sense of pride and accomplishment.

In conclusion, looking after your hygiene isn't just about being clean - it's about looking after your health, confidence, and relationships.

So, take the time to take care of yourself and your roommates and enjoy Athens to the fullest!