MyRoomie: 4 Roommate Stories

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June 20
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Cohabitation is a common reality for most of Europe but taboo, still, for Greece. The reality is that, on the one hand, due to the accuracy and state of the economy, and on the other hand, due to the development of technology, it seems that Greece is finally ready to accept the reality of cohabitation - something that is also reflected in the latest nationwide surveys such as that of Ierax Analytix on behalf of MyRoomie.gr.

At MyRoomie, we asked 4 people who have roomed to tell us about their experience, funny or infuriating stories and of course if they would do it again.

Enjoy their stories below.

Giannis P. G. – 39 – Programmer

MyRoomie: When did you roommate? For how long? Area;

The last time I lived together was for about a year, from the Summer of 2021 to the summer of 2022. In Exarchia.

M: What is the general feeling that this experience has left you with? Is it something you look back on with a feeling like "it was nice but I wouldn't do it again" or is it something you might watch again if given the chance?

Overall it was a pretty cool thing, despite any issues there may have been.

Because we had many common interests and were involved in common "projects", it was also one of the most creative periods I spent.

Our main problem was that the space was too small for our needs, and as a result we had a lot of minor conflicts over completely trivial things.

I would definitely do it again, but under slightly different circumstances.

M: Do you have any stories (funny, extreme, infuriating) that you still remember from when you lived together?

The most extreme story I can remember is during a roommate breakup where the person who broke up came in the middle of the night and was banging on bells and doors trying to get into the house. I finally went out and sat for 1 hour trying to convince this

person to leave. It was a very intense moment, and luckily our building had mainly offices so no neighbors came out...

M: Would you suggest someone to live with? What would you advise someone who is thinking of cohabiting to be aware of?

I would definitely recommend it. Especially if it's with someone you have chemistry with, because then it won't just be a formal thing to share the rent, but something that can become very enjoyable.

But what he must pay attention to is that the space can support one cohabitation. That is, so that all roommates can isolate themselves more easily. And it definitely needs good communication and understanding

when sharing a space. Respect for the other person's needs, etc.

Hara T. – 26 – Linguist – PhD candidate

MyRoomie: When did you roommate? For how long? Area;

I roomed for 6 months in hostels in Dublin in 2019/10 - it would have been a year if we weren't forced to evacuate the hostels due to COVID.

It's been five minutes since I hung up the phone and was talking to one of my roommates at the time. We became very close friends with some of the children and are still in touch. I really miss the havales in our shared kitchen and our cooking, but now I'm at a stage in my life where I really appreciate not having to worry about other people's cleanliness. On the other hand, I would probably watch it again under different circumstances as we were in a building with a very small communal kitchen, and if I could choose the same people I have developed friendships with, I would definitely reconsider.

M: Do you have any stories (funny, extreme, infuriating) that you still remember from when you lived together?

The time a roommate who wasn't in the company decided it was a good idea to throw his private trash from his room and bathroom into the common kitchen bin. Also the times when fire alarms went off in the early hours of the morning because some housemates were NOT good at cooking AT ALL. You guys went to warm a loaf of bread, I'm sorry.

M: Would you suggest someone to live with? What would you advise someone who is thinking of cohabiting to be aware of?

I would recommend it under conditions. It goes without saying that each person has their own requirements (otherwise the need for MyRoomie would probably not have arisen), but personally I would advise there to be a relative harmony in the lifestyle of the roommates. As a PhD student for example, I would not want to live with undergraduate students as we have completely different daily lives. I also consider it important that cohabitation inspires security and not creates daily stress, because friction will not be long in coming.

Stamatis E. – 35 – Elev. Professional/Student

MyRoomie: When did you roommate? For how long? Area;

Student in 2007 in Glasgow for about 1 year (then I left the country).

I did it because of finances and although we generally had a good time I wouldn't do it again here with my relationship and I can't live in the same place.

M: Do you have any stories (funny, extreme, infuriating) that you still remember from when you lived together?

A funny, let's say, story is that o roommate he was fussy and I told him not to eat in his room or even to pack up quickly. At some point, mice fell on her and she was crying to help him. It goes without saying that I helped him but I told him to get over it μ%#$%α (in Greek).

M: Would you suggest someone to live with? What would you advise someone who is thinking of cohabiting to be aware of?

I wouldn't roommate again anyway. Now for example I am a student again in Rethymnon where there is a crazy problem with the number of houses and rents and I could live with someone. I prefer to commute every day from Heraklion.

Cohabitation is a good solution to deal with the problem of high rents (and living expenses in general) on the one hand and for reasons of socialization and preparation for marriage on the other. I would suggest that someone do it and just advise to be as sure as possible about how compatible you are with the potential roommate (in terms of schedule and habits).

Stella P. – 39 – Id. Employee

MyRoomie: When did you roommate? For how long? Area;

I lived together in 2007 for two years in Zakynthos.

The experience was positive. It's comforting to know that at least one person understands you right away.

M: Would you suggest someone to live with? What would you advise someone who is thinking of cohabiting to be aware of?

It goes without saying that I am proposing it especially now because of the economic conditions it offers and for the change of culture in the issue of cohabitation. In terms, it is an efficient condition. For example, I would suggest that those interested be of the same gender ideally. Also, a common, independent fund (like an imaginary piggy bank) in case someone cannot meet the monthly expenses is a lifesaver.