How To Find Awesome Flatmates In Three Simple Steps
Erasmus Students Enjoying Hot Beverage In Their apartment In Athens
Co-living is great for creating memories.
The challenge is how to make sure the memories will be good.
Of course, a lot depends on your choice of housing. But even more relies on who you're sharing the house with.
So, how can you make sure you don't end up living with Hannibal Lecter?
There isn't a definite formula. Many aspects of finding a great flatmate are pure luck.
Yet, a few things can point you in the right or wrong direction.
Based on our decade-long experience providing shared apartments for Erasmus students and professionals coming to Athens... here are three simple steps to follow.
The first step is ASK.
No shame in asking your future landlord a simple question: who do you usually rent to? Are your tenants students?
If not, who can I expect to co-live with?
What is their age? Background? Interests?
If these questions seem to you like prying, well... are you better off asking questions or asking if you could leave without losing your deposit?
For example, we get asked these questions eight times out of ten bookings.
And we gladly answer them without disclosing any personal details of course.
Now, will that solve all your worries if you know that your future flatmates are students... who are studying journalism, like playing musical instruments and collecting coffee mugs?
Most likely not.
But at least you'll know if you have anything in common.
Step two is Connect.
Request your future flatmates’ contact info. Connect with them on social media.
Talk to them. The sooner you get to know each other, the more you can understand their personalities.
Don't go too personal but do ask questions.
Find out if that's a first-time living away from their parents.
Talk about choirs. Talk about studies. Talk about habits.
Are they really interested in learning? Or more in hanging out with friends, drinking, and having fun?
In other words, take the guesswork out of the equation.
Don't get embarrassed to find out more about who you're to co-live with for almost a year.
Your peace of mind and wellbeing are way too important.
Step three is Present.
Talk about yourself too. Show your personality.
Talk about your hobbies, interests, values... and whatever else can help your future flatmate understand you.
This way, you can at least hope they'll be respectful of your views.
Remember to be subtle about it. No one likes when someone forces their views on them.
Discuss the house rules. What you agree with and what you think is too harsh.
This will give you insight into what to expect.
For example, when all the questions we receive are about playing music, hanging out on the rooftop... and inviting friends for parties it's obvious the main concern isn't their studies.
In conclusion:
If you want to make sure your stay is filled with great memories, don't shy away from asking questions, requesting information... and learning everything you can about your future flatmates.
That's the difference between "OMG, I miss my new friends" and " I hope to never meet another creep like that.
great flatmates help creat amazing memories