How to Protect Your Personal Belongings in Shared Accommodation
/The Real-Life Guide for Erasmus Students in Athens
Cozy Shared Living Space in Athens for Erasmus Students
Finding a safe place to live is already a challenge…
But once you move into shared accommodation, there’s a new concern: protecting your stuff.
You’re in a foreign city, surrounded by people you’re just starting to know.
The last thing you need?
The anxiety of worrying about your valuables!
But here’s the good news:
A few smart moves can make a huge difference in keeping your belongings safe... and without you feeling like you have to hover over them 24/7!
If you’re an Erasmus student trying to make the most of your time in Athens, this guide is your answer.
We’re talking about practical, no-nonsense ways to keep your things safe—without ruining your budget or experience.
Let’s dive in!
Use a Lockbox or Small Safe for Valuables
Core takeaway: Keep your most essential items (such as passport, extra cash, personal documents) in a personal lockbox or small safe.
Why?
Peace of mind.
Of course, you don’t need to lock up every little thing. But for items that would cause major headaches if lost, a lockbox is a cheap, easy fix.
How to make it work:
You can find affordable lockboxes or safes that fit easily under your bed or in your closet. Just get a box with a good, strong lock, and keep it to yourself. No need to advertise that it’s there.
Mark and Track Your Belongings
Core takeaway: Tagging and tracking your devices can save you both money and sanity.
Here’s the thing: In shared living, it’s easy for things to get “borrowed” or “misplaced.”
If you’re worried about your phone, laptop, or tablet, use tracking apps or Bluetooth tags.
How to make it work:
Enable “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device” on your phone, tablet, or laptop. For larger items, you can also invest in a Bluetooth tag (like an AirTag). If something goes missing, you’ll know exactly where to look.
Get to Know Your Roommates and Establish Boundaries Early
Core takeaway: The more straightforward the ground rules, the safer your stuff will be.
When you’re in shared accommodation, clear communication is everything.
You might feel a bit awkward laying down boundaries from the start. But it definitely will help you avoid a lot of headaches later on. Be clear about borrowing, sharing, and respecting each other’s personal space.
How to make it work:
Set up a casual house meeting.
Discuss any ground rules for shared and personal spaces… and be upfront about everyone respecting each other’s belongings. This isn’t just about protecting your things; it also shows mutual respect. This post shares many more effective tactics on the topic.
Store Important Documents Digitally
Core takeaway: Keep digital copies of your critical documents just in case they go missing.
Losing your passport or visa can ruin a semester.
To avoid this, make digital backups of your passport, visa, student ID, and any other important papers. If something happens, you’ll have copies ready to make the recovery process smoother.
How to make it work:
Scan or take clear photos of each document and store them securely online (Google Drive or Dropbox with a password). You’ll have access whenever you need it and won’t have to worry about them getting lost or damaged.
Invest in a Lock for Your Bedroom Door
Core takeaway: Protecting your personal space with a good lock can make a huge difference.
If your room doesn’t already have a lock, consider adding one.
A lock on your door is an easy way to add an extra layer of security, especially if you’re living with people who may have friends over frequently.
How to make it work:
Talk to your accommodation provider about installing a lock. Many co-living spaces, including ours, provide rooms with secure locks. If you’re staying somewhere else, this might be worth asking about.
Secure Your Bag When You’re Out and About
Core takeaway: Your safety practices outside the home matter, too.
Athens is a safe city, but pickpocketing does happen.
Carrying a secure bag—especially in crowded places—can keep your things safe and help you avoid being targeted.
How to make it work:
Choose a bag that zips closed, and wear it in front of you when you’re in busy areas. Anti-theft backpacks or crossbody bags with locking zippers are especially helpful for this.
Avoid Flashing Expensive Items
Core takeaway: The less attention your things attract, the safer they’ll be.
If you have an expensive laptop, watch, or other electronics, avoid putting them on display unnecessarily. The less people know about your valuables, the less likely they’ll become targets.
How to make it work:
Be mindful of where and when you use your expensive items. Keep things low-key and avoid talking about the high-value things you own around people you don’t fully trust.
Create a Routine for Checking Your Belongings
Core takeaway: Establishing habits around your belongings helps you stay in control.
This doesn’t mean obsessively checking, but a quick habit—like making sure you have your essentials before leaving—can save you from losses.
How to make it work:
Quickly check your valuables every morning or before you head out. This routine will help you notice if anything’s missing sooner rather than later.
Use Labels on Shared Items
Core takeaway: Labeling prevents confusion in shared spaces.
Labeling your things can save you a lot of hassle when sharing a kitchen or bathroom. It’s a simple way to set boundaries without constantly reminding people.
How to make it work:
Use easy-to-remove labels or a permanent marker on your containers, toiletries, or other shared items. This way, everyone knows what’s yours and what isn’t.
Choose Trusted Co-living Spaces with Secure Setups
Core takeaway: The right accommodation provider makes all the difference in your peace of mind.
At the end of the day, your living situation can make or break your Erasmus experience.
Choosing a reliable, student-focused provider with built-in security measures can give you peace of mind right from the start.
How to make it work:
Look for places that cater specifically to Erasmus students.
Here at rooms Athens, for example, our co-living spaces come fully equipped, secured, and designed with students in mind.
We handle everything from secure rooms to reliable support so you can focus on your studies and social life.
Taking just a few of these steps can make a massive difference in how safe you feel in shared accommodation.
You’re in a foreign city to learn, experience, and enjoy—not to stress over stolen belongings.
Implementing these tips will allow you to focus on your studies and, more importantly, fully enjoy the Erasmus adventure ahead.
And if you’re looking for accommodation with built-in security and all the conveniences you need, check out our listings at rooms Athens.
