That First Awkward Encounter

Moving into a shared flat is a weird mix of excitement and anxiety. You’ve just arrived in a new country, you’re dragging your suitcase down a hallway that smells faintly of detergent and something you can’t quite identify, and suddenly—boom—you’re face-to-face with your new roommates.

The greetings are polite. Maybe stiff. Maybe someone tries out their English, or you try out your Spanish. There’s a tour of the flat, a rundown of which shelf is whose, and a smile that says “we’re about to live together but we don’t know each other yet.” It feels a little awkward. It’s supposed to.

Fast-forward a few days: you’re already borrowing each other’s chargers, sharing horror stories about the hot water, and trying to figure out how to recycle in Spain. Welcome to roommate life.

Culture Clashes and Daily Habits

Sharing a flat with people from other countries means you get front-row seats to cultural surprises. One roommate eats dinner at 10pm. Another takes a 40-minute shower. Someone’s playing techno at breakfast.

At first, it might seem strange—or even annoying. But then you realise you’re learning. About routines, foods, time zones, and how wildly different “normal” can be. You learn to compromise, to ask instead of assume, and to accept that maybe frying garlic at midnight is a thing now.

The Art of Silent Agreements

No one really talks about who takes out the trash. Or who gets the bigger shelf. Or how loud is too loud after 11pm. These things just… settle.

You begin to understand each other’s patterns. Who needs coffee before speaking. Who hates doing the dishes but loves cleaning the bathroom. Who will always say “yes” to a spontaneous ice cream run.

Without knowing it, you form a house language of glances, half-smiles, and shared playlists. It’s not always perfect—but it’s personal.

Unexpected Bonding Moments

Real friendship sneaks up on you. One day you’re just coexisting, the next you’re crying over a failed exam with someone you barely knew a month ago.

You bond over Netflix marathons, midnight ramen, flatmate birthdays, and homesick Sundays. You laugh at the same broken toaster for weeks. You know who had a bad day before they even walk through the door.

Sometimes the most random moments—like building IKEA furniture together or helping someone do laundry—turn into your core memories.

Tips for Living Your Best Roommate Life

• Talk early. Don’t wait until someone’s upset to discuss cleaning or guests.
  
• Respect boundaries. Everyone needs space sometimes.
  
• Cook together. Food is magic. Use it.
  
• Plan house nights. Movie night, pizza night, even cleaning night (yes, really).
  
• Be patient. Not everyone adjusts at the same pace.
  

Roommate life is an adventure. Like all good ones, it has plot twists.

Real Talk from Real Students

“I didn’t expect to meet one of my best friends through a flat listing.”

— Luca, Italy

“Our shared Spotify playlist is chaotic—but it’s ours.”

— Janine, France

Final Thoughts

Living with strangers is unpredictable. It can be awkward, frustrating, hilarious, and heartwarming—sometimes all in the same day. But that’s what makes it memorable. Because when you’re far from home, the people you live with often become the ones who feel most like home.

Ready for Your Next Chapter?

And if you’re more of a solo-living type who values peace, privacy, and personal space—we’ve got you covered. Check out our selection of private rooms, studios and apartments in Segovia and find your perfect fit.