So, you’ve landed in Athens for your Erasmus...

New city, new adventures, and…new roommates.

Yeah, we all know the drill—awkward introductions, stilted small talk, and a lot of side-eye while you figure out if you’ll actually survive sharing a space with these strangers.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be that way.

In fact, it shouldn’t be that way.

Let’s get straight to it.

You have a limited window to break the ice and turn those awkward first meetings into real connections.

Here’s how you can make that happen fast.

1. Break the Ice Now

The longer you wait to introduce yourself, the weirder it gets.

So don’t wait. Rip off the Band-Aid. Be the first to step up and say, “Hey, I’m [your name],” even if your stomach’s doing flips.

Trust us, your roommates are just as uncomfortable, and they’ll appreciate you breaking the silence.

Real-world example: You walk in, you’re unpacking, your roommate is awkwardly hanging around. Just look up and say, “Hey, have you checked out the local spots yet? I’m thinking of grabbing a coffee later—want to join?”

Boom. Ice broken. Now you’re not just roommates, you’re fellow explorers.

2. Ask Questions, Not Interrogations

Don’t make it about you. Show interest in your roommates—ask them where they’re from, why they chose Athens, what they’re studying.

People love talking about themselves, and it’s a surefire way to crack open the awkward shell.

Example: “So, what made you choose Erasmus in Athens? I’m here because I needed a change of scenery from back home—how about you?”

Keep it light, but dig just deep enough to show you’re not making small talk for the sake of it.

You’re actually interested. This leads to genuine connections faster than you’d think.

3. Find Your Common Ground—Fast

Once you’ve gotten the basics out of the way, it’s time to look for shared interests.

Are you both into cooking? Netflix binges? Late-night study sessions? Find that common ground and use it.

Example: Your roommate says they love cooking? Bingo. Suggest cooking a meal together. Or maybe you both hate mornings—joke about it. The key is to find something you both vibe with and run with it.

Shared interests are the building blocks of any good friendship.

No common ground? Don’t sweat it. Move on to the next tip.

4. Organize a Group Hang—The Sooner, The Better

Instead of everyone awkwardly doing their own thing for the first few days, suggest something fun you can all do together.

It doesn’t need to be complicated—order some takeaway, watch a movie, or go for a walk.

Example: You could say, “Hey, I’m ordering pizza tonight, anyone want in? Let’s throw on a movie and chill.”

No one’s going to turn down free pizza, and just like that, you’ve broken through the awkwardness.

Plus, group activities take the pressure off one-on-one convos, so it’s a win-win.

5. Respect the Culture, Don’t Just “Tolerate” It

You’re in a multicultural co-living setup now.

That means there will be cultural differences, so be smart about how you approach them.

Respect your roommates’ traditions, eating habits, and schedules—you know the deal.

Example: If your roommate likes eating dinner late or has certain dietary restrictions, respect it. Simple as that. It’s not just about “getting along”; it’s about showing that you actually give a damn about their space and habits.

This isn’t just common courtesy—it’s key to keeping things smooth in the long run.

6. Set Boundaries Before You Need Boundaries

Yeah, everyone wants to be friendly at first, but you’ve got to set some ground rules early on—before things get messy.

Cleaning schedules, noise levels, and personal space-all need to be hashed out while the vibes are still good.

Example: After everyone’s unpacked, say, “Hey, should we talk about how we want to handle things like cleaning and quiet hours, so we’re all cool with it?”

Trust me, this little chat will save you from a lot of future headaches.

7. Keep an Open Mind, Even When You’re Ready to Snap

Let’s get real—people can be weird.

Your roommate might have habits that drive you crazy, but here’s the thing: you’ve got to stay flexible.

You’re sharing a space, and you’ll both have to compromise at some point.

Example: Maybe your roommate likes studying late at night and is clacking away on their keyboard when you’re trying to sleep.

Instead of throwing passive-aggressive looks, talk to them. They might not even realize they’re bothering you.

Being flexible doesn’t mean being a pushover. It means adapting and learning to live with people’s quirks.

8. Communicate Like an Adult—Don’t Bottle Stuff Up

If something’s bugging you, speak up. But do it like a grown-up!

Don’t let issues fester, and definitely don’t passive-aggressively leave notes about dishes or noise.

Clear, direct communication is how you survive co-living.

Example: If your roommate is being loud when you’re trying to study, say, “Hey, could you keep it down a bit? I’m trying to focus.”

It’s polite but firm. No drama, no passive-aggressive tension.

And, when your roommate brings something up? Listen!

Don’t take it personally. It’s all part of co-living.

9. Patience, My Friend—Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day

Look, the first few days or even weeks are going to be weird. That’s normal.

Don’t expect to click with everyone immediately, and don’t rush it.

Give your roommates and yourself time to settle in. Things will start to feel natural—just don’t force it.

Example: If one of your roommates is a bit quiet or seems distant at first, don’t push them.

Keep being friendly and approachable, but let them warm up at their own pace. Some people just take a little longer to get comfortable.

Give it time. Relationships, especially in a shared space, need to develop naturally.

10. Celebrate the Wins—No Matter How Small

Finally, celebrate every little win.

Every time you break the ice, bond over something, or have a great conversation, take a second to acknowledge it.

These small victories add up, and before you know it, you’ll be looking back on the “awkward phase” with a laugh.

Example: Maybe you and a roommate bonded over a late-night study session or shared your first meal together. Take a second to appreciate that progress.

Those moments are what turn awkward roommates into friends and friends into family.

Wrap-Up

Meeting your co-living roommates can be awkward, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

The key is taking action—don’t wait for someone else to make the first move.

By being open, curious, and a little proactive, you can quickly go from awkward strangers to tight-knit roommates.

Ready to start your co-living journey in Athens?

Check out our listings at Rooms Athens.

We’ve got the perfect setup to help you make the most of your Erasmus adventure—awkward-free!