Why Some Erasmus Students in Athens Struggle to Fit In—And How You Can Stand Out From Day One!
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Moving into your Erasmus apartment in Athens should be an exciting adventure...
Yet, for many students, it quickly turns into a challenge. Why?
Because fitting in with new roommates can be tougher than you expect.
But here's the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way for you!
In fact, you can easily stand out in the best possible way from the moment you walk through the door.
Let’s dive into some simple yet powerful tips to help you make a great first impression and become the roommate everyone loves.
1. Say Hello Right Away
Why Some Students Struggle: Many students arrive, shut themselves in their rooms, and miss out on connecting with their new roommates. This makes it hard to fit in later on.
How You Can Stand Out: The moment you step into your new home, seek out your roommates and say hello. Introduce yourself with a smile, and show genuine interest in meeting them.
Example: Instead of hiding away, knock on your roommates' doors and say, “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I just moved in and wanted to say hello!” This small step sets a positive tone and makes you instantly more approachable.
2. Don’t Take Over the Shared Spaces
Why Some Students Struggle: It’s easy to accidentally dominate the common areas, leaving your roommates feeling like they’ve lost their space.
How You Can Stand Out: Be mindful of how much room you’re taking up. Keep your belongings organized and ask before spreading out in shared spaces.
Example: Before you take over the kitchen with your stuff, ask, “Is it okay if I store my things here, or would another spot be better?” This shows you respect their space and want to keep things fair.
3. Set Up a Cleaning Plan Early
Why Some Students Struggle: Without a plan, things can quickly get messy, leading to frustration and tension among roommates.
How You Can Stand Out: Suggest setting up a simple cleaning schedule right away. This shows you’re proactive and care about keeping the place clean for everyone.
Example: Say something like, “How about we each take turns cleaning different areas? I’m happy to start with the kitchen this week.” This approach helps you avoid mess-related conflicts and makes you look like a team player.
4. Don’t Be Noisy When Others Need Quiet
Why Some Students Struggle: Some students unintentionally disturb their roommates by being loud, especially when others need to study or sleep.
How You Can Stand Out: Keep noise levels down, especially during quiet hours. If you need to make noise, give your roommates a heads-up or use headphones.
Example: Ask, “Is it okay if I play some music while I study? I’ll keep it low.” This shows you’re considerate and aware of others’ needs.
5. Share What You Can
Why Some Students Struggle: A lack of sharing can create a “me vs. them” feeling, making it hard to build connections.
How You Can Stand Out: Offer to share what you have, whether it’s food, supplies, or even just advice about the area. This simple act of generosity helps build a friendly atmosphere.
Example: If you’ve got some extra kitchen supplies, say, “I have some extra spices if anyone wants to use them.” Sharing small things like this can lead to bigger bonds with your roommates.
6. Don’t Ignore Problems—Speak Up Early
Why Some Students Struggle: When little issues aren’t addressed early, they can become more significant problems, leading to resentment and conflict.
How You Can Stand Out: If something’s bothering you, address it calmly and respectfully as soon as you notice it. This helps maintain a peaceful living environment.
Example: Say, “I’ve noticed the trash hasn’t been taken out lately. Could we set up a system to keep on top of it?” This shows you’re committed to keeping things running smoothly without letting things fester.
7. Respect Privacy—It’s a Must
Why Some Students Struggle: Not understanding when to give others space can lead to tension and discomfort in the apartment.
How You Can Stand Out: Always respect your roommates’ need for privacy. Knock before entering rooms, and don’t push people to socialize if they’re not up for it.
Example: If a roommate seems to need some alone time, you might say, “I’ll be in the living room if you want to hang out later.” This shows you’re considerate but still open to connecting when they’re ready.
8. Don’t Hog the Common Areas
Why Some Students Struggle: Spending too much time in shared spaces can make your roommates feel like they can’t use them comfortably.
How You Can Stand Out: Be mindful of how long you’re using shared areas, and make sure others have a chance to use them too.
Example: If you’re in the living room watching TV, and someone else comes in, offer, “Do you need the space? I’m happy to switch to another room.” This considerate gesture makes you a more thoughtful roommate.
9. Be Open to Feedback
Why Some Students Struggle: Taking feedback personally or reacting defensively can strain relationships with your roommates.
How You Can Stand Out: Show that you’re open to feedback and willing to make changes for the sake of harmony in the apartment.
Example: If a roommate mentions that you’ve been a bit messy, respond with, “Thanks for letting me know—I’ll make sure to clean up right after I’m done.” This shows maturity and a willingness to adapt.
10. Don’t Forget to Say Thanks
Why Some Students Struggle: Forgetting to show appreciation can make it seem like you’re taking your roommates for granted.
How You Can Stand Out: A simple “thank you” when your roommates do something nice goes a long way in building a positive, supportive living environment.
Example: If a roommate offers you a cup of coffee or helps out with a chore, a quick, “Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!” can help strengthen your relationship.
Wrap-Up
Fitting in with your new roommates in Athens doesn’t have to be hard.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and stand out as the kind of roommate everyone wants to live with.
Remember, making a great first impression sets the tone for your entire Erasmus experience.
And if you found this advice helpful, why not check out Rooms Athens Erasmus rooms?
We offer the perfect co-living spaces for Erasmus students like you—making it even easier to fit in and enjoy your time in Athens.
