Roommate Life: What’s It Like and Is It Right for You?

When you picture studying abroad, your mind might jump to exciting classes, new friends, a multicultural circle, and student parties. But what about the people you live with? Now, yes, the majority of students in Sweden live by themselves, and most of my friends do too. But when I moved to Sweden, I decided to have a roommate from the get-go.

Sharing a space with someone can be one of the most memorable and interesting parts of student life. Whether you move in with a friend or someone you’ve only met a couple of times, living with roommates comes with its own set of joys, compromises, and occasional dishwashing debates. So, is it for everyone? Let’s dive into what it’s really like- the pro’s, the con’s and all the tea—and whether it might be the right choice for you.

Why You Should, At Least, Consider Having a Roommate

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but let’s be real—it’s also pretty terrifying. Leaving behind your family, friends, and everything familiar to start a brand-new chapter abroad means learning to stand on your own two feet. Suddenly, you’re doing everything independently—cooking, budgeting, navigating a new culture—and it can get overwhelming fast.

That’s why having a roommate can make a huge difference. When you’re sharing your space with someone who’s going through the same things—maybe another international student figuring it all out—you automatically have a sense of solidarity. You’re not alone in this; you’re in it together. Even if you don’t become best friends, there’s something incredibly comforting about knowing that at the end of a long, exhausting day of lectures or labs, there’s someone back home you can sit with, talk to, or just silently coexist with while decompressing. And honestly, that kind of casual companionship can go a long way.

And let’s not forget one major, practical bonus: the cost. Student housing in Sweden (and pretty much everywhere) can be expensive, especially if you’re living alone. But with a roommate, you’re splitting rent, utilities, and sometimes even groceries. Unless you opt for something extra fancy, you’re likely to save quite a bit—which, as a student, is music to your ears.

How to Look for Roommates

In some countries—like the U.S., for example—if you opt for student housing on campus, you might get randomly assigned a roommate. But in Sweden, things usually work a bit differently. Unless you’re sharing a multi-room apartment arranged through the university itself, it’s very rare for universities to assign roommates. That means if you want to live with someone, you’ll likely need to find that person yourself.

The best way? Tap into your future student community. Once you’re admitted, it’s common for students to form WhatsApp, Facebook or Discord groups by program, university, or even country of origin. These spaces become buzzing hubs for everything—housing tips, arrival updates, visa questions, and yes, roommate hunting. Don’t be afraid to post or respond to roommate-related messages. People are often just as nervous and excited as you are.

That said, you don’t need to have everything figured out before moving to Sweden. I know several friends who arrived here, settled down, and only later decided to find a roommate.They first got to know people through their program or social events. Eventually, they felt comfortable enough to share an apartment. So, if it doesn’t happen right away—no pressure. You can still ease into the roommate life later on once you’ve found the right person

How I Found My Roommate

Now, how did I find my roommate? Well, my story’s a little unique.

My roommate, Dinujaya, is also from Sri Lanka—but we’d never met before. Sri Lankan students moving to Sweden go through a specific process that requires traveling to the Swedish Embassy in India for biometric data and passport verification. I’ve actually written a whole blog post about this step—feel free to check it out here!. We first connected through a WhatsApp group for Sri Lankan students heading to Sweden. After realizing we were around the same age and going through the same process, we planned our embassy visit to India together. That trip turned into the start of a solid friendship. When it came time to find accommodation, we figured out we’d get along and decided to look for an apartment together.

Now we’ve been living in the same apartment for nearly a full academic year—and I’m genuinely grateful we made that decision. It’s been a shared journey of growth, support, and navigating this new chapter together.

The Perks

Living with a roommate offers several undeniable advantages that make it a rewarding experience—especially when you’re studying abroad. Here are some of the biggest perks:

• Built-in company
  One of the biggest benefits is never feeling truly alone. Having someone to share your day with, especially when you’re far from home, is comforting. Whether it’s cooking and eating dinner together after a long day, a roommate brings comfort. You might chat about childhood stories, no matter how embarrassing they are. Or binge-watch shows and horror movies on a lazy weekend. The presence of a roommate means you always have someone to connect with.
• Cost-Effective Living
  Student housing in Sweden can be pricey, particularly if you opt for a single apartment. By sharing a space, you immediately reduce your monthly expenses—rent, utilities, and sometimes even groceries. Even if you get an apartment that is twice the size of a standard apartment, the cost per person will most likely still be lower than living alone. For many students, this is one of the most compelling reasons to consider having a roommate. It frees up some of your budget for other things like travel, treating yourself or socializing.
• Emergency Support System
  One of the scariest things when moving abroad is if you get ill and there’s no one to help you like back at home. In case of illness, bad news from home, or if you come home a little but too drunk, your roommate can become your immediate support system. Having someone who’s physically there, especially when you’re in a foreign country, can make all the difference when you’re dealing with homesickness or life’s little challenges.
• Sharing Each Other’s Strengths
  One of the best (and often underrated) perks of living with a roommate is how naturally you begin to complement each other’s strengths. Maybe your roommate is a pro at handiwork—fixing that squeaky bed-leg, setting up furniture, or managing tech things around the house—while you’re the one who keeps documents in order and navigates Swedish bureaucracy. Or maybe one of you cooks incredible dishes from your home country while the other has mastered quick and cozy Western meals. This kind of balance doesn’t just make everyday life easier—it makes it feel like a real partnership.
• Learning Experience
  Living with someone who comes from a different background—whether cultural, regional, or even academic—can expand your horizons in ways you might not expect. It gives you a deeper understanding of another person’s way of life, habits, and values, and it can teach you more about yourself, too. It’s an experience in shared living, adaptability, and communication.

The Compromises

Of course, living with someone isn’t all sunshine and roses. There are some compromises you’ll need to make. Here’s what to expect:

• Different Lifestyles and Habits
  Your roommate may have different sleep patterns, study schedules, and personal habits. One of you might be an early riser, while the other stays up late. One might love cooking at home every night, while the other wakes up early and turns on that loud kettle to make coffee. These differences can sometimes lead to friction if not communicated clearly and respectfully. But also, with time, you’ll get used to each others’ differences and meet in the middle- and trust me, it will happen sooner than you think.
• Sharing Space
  Even though you’ve chosen to live together, it can still feel a bit strange to share your living space. Your bedroom is your sanctuary, and if you’ve had your own room growing up, it might take some adjusting. Your roommate’s habits might encroach on that personal space—whether it’s the volume of their music, the occasional mess in shared areas, or simply the fact that they’re always around. It’s a balancing act of respecting each other’s boundaries while coexisting in the same environment.
• Compromise on Cleaning and Chores
  Living with someone means sharing responsibilities, and this can be tricky. Who’s going to take out the trash? Who’s doing the dishes? These seemingly small tasks can become points of tension if they’re not agreed upon early on. It’s important to set expectations about cleanliness and divide up chores, or it could lead to frustration down the line. Be sure to have a humorous sense of honesty and straightforwardness.
• Potential Conflicts
  No matter how well you get along, there will be times when disagreements arise. Whether it’s a small misunderstanding about noise levels or something bigger, you’ll need to learn how to communicate openly and respectfully. Navigating conflicts and finding resolutions that work for both parties is an essential part of roommate life.
• Navigating Different Social Circles
  One thing that can get a little tricky is when you and your roommate have different friend groups. It can feel awkward to invite people over if you’re not sure how they’ll mesh with your roommate. In these situations, communication is absolutely key. Set clear expectations, be honest about your plans, and try to find a solution that respects both of your comfort zones. On the flip side, if you do share the same friend group, that’s when the magic happens. Your shared apartment, since it’s a bit larger and more comfortable than single apartments, can turn it into the go-to hangout-spot. Pizza parties, game nights, and birthday parties, you name it!

Roommate Handbook 101: by Me

Every successful roommate situation has a set of unwritten rules. These are some guidelines that I have created with my experiences over the last year to help keep everything running smoothly. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Open Communication is Crucial
  One of the best ways to prevent issues from escalating is by communicating openly and honestly. If something bothers you—whether it’s noise, cleanliness, or something more personal—bring it up calmly and respectfully. Being upfront about expectations will go a long way in keeping the peace. Remember, both of you want this to work, so be open about how you’re feeling and don’t make a big deal out of it. Never take anything personal.
• Give Each Other Space
  While it’s great to have a roommate to talk to or hang out with, it’s equally important to respect each other’s need for alone time. This one seems obvious, but it’s essential. Even though you’re sharing a living space, respect for each other’s personal time and space is key. Don’t feel pressured to be constantly social just because you live together.
• Share the Load on Chores
  Household chores should be divided up evenly. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most common causes of tension between roommates. Create a system that works for both of you—whether it’s a chore chart, weekly cleaning rotation, or simply checking in to make sure everything is tidy.
• Sharing the bill & shopping separately
  When living together, you’ll likely share expenses. This could include rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, and even household items like toilet paper or cleaning & laundry supplies. It’s best to set clear expectations from the start about how you’ll split these costs. Something that we did was buying our groceries separately. Since you will likely have different preferences for food and preparing them, this is always a good choice.
• Be Independent
  It’s easy to fall into the habit of doing everything together, especially if you get along really well. But remember, you’re still two separate people. Just because you share a home doesn’t mean your roommate is automatically your plus-one for everything. Grocery run, trip to the city center, or long walk to that faraway second-hand store. They have their own schedule, energy levels, and priorities. Learning to do things on your own not only helps avoid unnecessary pressure on your roommate—it also keeps you confident, capable, and independent. Rely on each other when it makes sense, but don’t expect them to be your constant companion.

Is the Roommate Life Right for You?

Living with a roommate isn’t for everyone—and that’s totally okay. To really make it work, there are a few qualities that help a lot: openness, patience, and a sense of responsibility. You’ll need to be okay with compromise, whether that’s about noise levels, cleaning routines, or personal space. It also helps to be someone who values clear communication and is comfortable being honest (kindly!) when something’s bothering you. If you’re the kind of person who can respect boundaries, adapt to small challenges, and laugh off the occasional mess or mix-up, roommate life can be a genuinely rewarding experience. But if you know deep down that you thrive best with complete independence and quiet solitude, that’s totally valid too!

Finishing Thoughts

At the end of the day, living with a roommate isn’t just about splitting bills or sharing a fridge. It’s about building a little home away from home. Whether your roommate becomes your closest friend or just someone you coexist with peacefully, the experience will teach you valuable lessons in communication, empathy, and cooperation. For me, it’s been a chapter full of laughter, growth, and unexpected memories—like late-night kitchen chats, silly inside jokes, and even the occasional debate over whose turn it is to do the dishes.

So if you’re on the fence about it, give it a shot. You might just find that having a roommate turns out to be one of the most grounding and rewarding parts of your study abroad journey!