When students imagine Erasmus+ mobility, they often picture exciting trips, international friendships and unforgettable cultural experiences. What they don’t always imagine is sharing a flat with people who live completely differently from them!
During summer mobility, these differences often become even more noticeable. Some students begin work placements early in the morning, whilst others return from evening activities long after sunset. Some come from cultures where dinner starts at 9pm, whilst others are already preparing for bed. Then there are the students who seem to have endless energy and somehow never sleep at all! While shared accommodation can occasionally test your patience, it also becomes one of the most valuable parts of the whole Erasmus+ experience.
1. Different Doesn't Mean Wrong
One of the first lessons many students learn abroad is that there is rarely one "correct" way of doing things. Something as simple as daily routines can vary enormously between cultures. You may find yourself living with people who eat dinner much later than you do or who prefer quiet evenings rather than really social activities! There are the roommates who wake up before sunrise for their work placements and those who stay up late talking to friends or going out until the small hours.
At first, these differences can feel frustrating. Over time, they often become opportunities to better understand how people live in different parts of Europe.
2. Summer Mobility Creates Different Schedules
Unlike traditional university exchanges, Erasmus+ summer mobility often involves a mixture of internships, language courses, training programmes and cultural activities. As a result, everyone follows a different timetable. One student may need to leave your shared accommodation at 6:30am for a placement. Another may spend the afternoon exploring the city before returning later in the evening. Then there are the tachers participating in training courses may have entirely different schedules again.
Rather than expecting everyone to live the same way, successful shared accommodation depends on flexibility and mutual understanding.
3. Communicate Before Small Problems Become Big Ones
Most accommodation conflicts aren’t caused by major issues. They're usually just small misunderstandings. A simple conversation during the first few days can prevent many common frustrations later on. You may want to talk about adding in quiet hours and sleeping schedules, or shared kitchen expectations and cleaning responsibilities. Don’t forget to discuss visitors and guests along with use of common spaces like bathrooms and living areas. The goal isn’t to create strict rules, it’s to make sure everyone understands each other's needs.
4. Respect Matters More Than Similarity
Many students worry about whether they will have things in common with their flatmates. In reality, successful shared living isn’t about being similar it’s about being respectful. You may share a flat with someone from a completely different culture, speaking a different language and following different habits. That doesn’t stop a strong friendship from forming. In fact, some of the most memorable Erasmus+ friendships begin between people who initially seemed to have very little in common.
5. Create Space for Yourself
Living abroad can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between placements, social activities, travel and shared accommodation, students often spend very little time alone. It is perfectly normal to need occasional quiet moments to recharge.Whether that means taking a walk, reading in a local park or spending an hour exploring the city independently, personal space is an important part of maintaining wellbeing during mobility.
6. Some of the Best Erasmus+ Lessons Happen at Your Temporary Home
Students often expect to learn new skills in classrooms, workplaces or training sessions. Yet many of the most valuable lessons happen in shared kitchens, living rooms and accommodation corridors. Learning how to communicate clearly, adapt to different routines and live respectfully alongside people from different cultures develops skills that remain useful long after the mobility experience has ended. These lessons may not appear on a certificate but they are often among the most important.
What This Means for Erasmus+ Students
Shared accommodation is rarely perfect. There will be early alarms, late-night conversations, different habits and occasional misunderstandings. Yet these experiences are also part of what makes Erasmus+ mobility so valuable. Living alongside people from different backgrounds teaches adaptability, patience and intercultural understanding in ways that no classroom ever could.
Shared living FAQs
Q: What is the biggest challenge of Erasmus+ shared accommodation?
A: Different schedules and routines are often the biggest adjustment, particularly during summer mobility.
Q: Should students establish accommodation rules from the start?
A: Clear expectations and open communication can help prevent misunderstandings later on.
Q: Can living with people from different cultures improve personal growth?
A: Absolutely! Shared living often helps students develop communication, adaptability, tolerance and intercultural skills.
To Sum Up
Living with roommates who never seem to sleep can sometimes feel challenging, especially during a busy Erasmus+ summer. However, learning to navigate different cultures, routines and lifestyles is part of the experience itself. The friendships, lessons and perspectives gained through shared accommodation often become just as memorable as the destinations visited along the way.
If your school is preparing students for Erasmus+ mobility, TravelEdventures helps participants build the confidence, adaptability and intercultural awareness needed to thrive abroad. Reach out to us here and let's plan your next mobility with confidence.