10 rules to follow in a shared flat
- 18. October 2018
- WG Zimmer
Living together in a shared flat can be a wonderful experience – but also challenging. When you live with several people in... Read More
How to make a good first impression for your first flat viewing
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by WGBuchen.com
- 18. October 2018
- WG Zimmer
- 0
Searching for a room in a shared flat can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Especially during the viewing of a potential room, the first impression matters—both for you and the roommates who need to decide whether you’ll fit well into their community. Therefore, it’s important to present yourself in the best possible light during the flat viewing and leave a positive impression. Here are some tips on how to showcase yourself and increase your chances of getting the desired room.
1. Be on time
Punctuality is a sign of respect and reliability—two qualities that are highly valued in a shared flat. Plan enough time to arrive on time for the viewing. If you realize you’re going to be late, inform the hosts in advance to reschedule. Arriving late without any explanation might give the impression that you’re not very interested in the flat.
2. Be open and friendly
The flat viewing is not only an opportunity for you to assess the room but also for the roommates to learn more about you. A friendly, open attitude is crucial. Smile, introduce yourself, and engage in the conversation. Show interest in your potential roommates by asking about their hobbies and how they approach shared living. Sympathy often plays a large role in choosing a new flatmate.
3. Dress appropriately
First impressions are very important—especially when it comes to your clothing. You don’t need to dress too formally, but make sure you appear neat and well-groomed. Show that you care about your appearance while remaining relaxed and authentic. Unkempt or overly casual attire could give the impression that you don’t take the viewing or shared living seriously.
4. Be honest and authentic
During the viewing, you’ll likely be asked questions about your daily life, hobbies, or lifestyle. Be honest and authentic in your responses. Don’t exaggerate or try to be someone you’re not—this will become evident sooner or later. In a shared flat, the key is how well you get along with the other roommates, and that can only happen if you stay true to yourself.
5. Do your research about the flat
Show interest in the flat and the roommates by doing a little research beforehand. Have you read the listing or description of the room carefully? Do you know how the flat is organized, what the atmosphere is like, and how the roommates operate? Asking questions about specific details shows that you’ve seriously considered the flat and the living situation. This is a sign of engagement and interest.
6. Prepare for questions
During the viewing, you’ll certainly be asked why you chose this shared flat, how you envision the living situation, and whether you have certain habits (e.g., regarding cleanliness, noise, or visitors). Think ahead about how you would answer these questions to give a clear impression of your personality and expectations. Be honest but also respectful of the flat’s rules and preferences.
7. Present yourself as an active flat mate
A shared flat thrives on collective responsibility. Show that you’re someone who wants to be an active flatmate, ready to take on tasks and responsibilities. Mention that you value a clean and respectful living environment and that you’re eager to contribute to the community aspect of the flat. The roommates will appreciate it if they see that you understand shared living as a collaborative project.
8. Avoid too much smalltalk
Of course, it’s important to create a pleasant atmosphere during the viewing, but make sure not to engage in too much small talk. This could give the impression that you’re not genuinely interested in the flat or that you’re only concerned about the room itself. Stay focused on the main aspects: the viewing of the room and getting to know the roommates.
9. Ask questions about the flat and living together
A flat viewing is a two-way decision. Not only do the roommates choose you, but you also choose them. Ask questions about the flat’s dynamics, the rules, shared activities, or how leisure time is spent. This shows that you’re thinking about how the shared living arrangement would work and that you want to ensure you’re a good fit for the flat.
Example questions might include:
- How are household chores generally divided here?
- Are there specific rules that flatmates should follow?
- How do the flatmates spend their free time—do they do a lot together?
10. Leave a good impression
When you finish the viewing, say goodbye politely and thank the flatmates for their time. A friendly and respectful farewell leaves a lasting positive impression. If you’re interested, you can also emphasize again how much you like the flatshare and that you can imagine living there.
A shared flat viewing is an opportunity to present yourself in the best light and build a good connection with the roommates. Punctuality, authenticity, and respectful behavior are key to leaving a positive impression. Show interest, ask questions, and approach the viewing with a relaxed attitude—you’ll surely find your ideal shared room in no time!
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