To make friends quickly while living in shared housing, you have to be yourself first. You have to balance openness with respect for boundaries. Most roommate relationships naturally evolve into friendships through consistent, casual interactions rather than forced socialisation.
How to Make Friends in Shared Housing? 5 Easy Tips to Avoid Awkwardness in a Homestay
1. Win the "First 48 Hours"
First impression always sticks. How you behave in the initial days can make or break your reputation.
Here are some tips:
The Proactive Intro: Don't wait to be "found" in your room. Knock on doors, introduce yourself, and ask how long they’ve lived there. But don’t intrude if the host family does not like it. Always follow cultural etiquette.
The "Open Door" Policy: If you’re hanging out in your room, keep the door propped open (if allowed). It’s a universal signal that says, "I’m approachable."
Bring the "helpful neighbour" strategy: Notice the little things. If someone's carrying groceries, offer to hold the door.
2. Move Beyond Surface-Level Small Talk
But avoid overdoing it, as it won’t look elegant, and it can backfire.
In shared living spaces, friendships build organically during late-night kitchen conversations or weekend hangouts in the living room. When someone shares something meaningful, reciprocate authentically. These moments transform acquaintances into genuine friends.
3. Be the "Easy" Roommate
Do This | Avoid This |
Clean the space you use (your room, bathroom, living room, etc.) | Leaving everything scattered and disorganised |
Always ask the host before bringing in any guests | Surprising roommates and hosts with strangers |
Respect noise levels | Being the "loud one" or blasting music during work/sleep hours |
4. Build Your Friendships Outside Home as Well
If you rely on only roommates for your social life is a bit like putting all your eggs in one basket. If the house gets tense, your entire social world feels the heat. So, always diversify and socialise with other circles as well. It makes you more nuanced, sharp, and knowledgeable because you will be interacting with various people.
Kickball, pickleball, or "beer-league" softball are designed for socialising.
Join Discord servers or Facebook groups for specific interests to find your tribe.
Volunteer for a cause. It builds your character and urges you to do good for society.
Kickball, pickleball, or "beer-league" softball are designed for socialising.
Join Discord servers or Facebook groups for specific interests to find your tribe.
Volunteer for a cause. It builds your character and urges you to do good for society.
5. Respect Boundaries While Staying Connected
Many new residents learn this truth the hard way: pushing too hard for friendship can backfire. Not everyone living in shared accommodation is looking for a deep social connection. Some people view housemates as exactly that, people they share a house with, nothing more.
Reading social cues is essential. If someone consistently keeps conversations brief, stays in their room most of the time, or declines invitations, respect that.
Red Flags to Avoid (The "Don'ts")
Don't Do These | Why? |
Over-share too early | You don't want to be the "trauma dumper." Keep it light for the first few weeks. |
Bring guests over 24/7 | Your roommates signed up to live with you, not your entire friend group from home. |
Be the "Passive-Aggressive" Person | If there’s an issue, talk about it in person. Notes on the fridge are friendship killers. |
Pro-Tip: The "Third Space"
If the house feels a bit cramped, suggest going to a "Third Space". It can be a pub, a park, or a library. Changing the scenery removes the domestic pressure (dishes, bills, cleaning) and lets you focus on the person.
Connect with Host Family Stay for a Smooth Homestay Experience in London
You can get the authentic London experience by living in shared housing because it lets you make friends with new people. Host Family Stay places you in a homestay that’s best suited to your preferences and lifestyle.