As far as your flatmates are concerned, there is a good chance that they will be from different parts of the world, as Graz is a city with an international student scene.
Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Graz
These are some of the pros and cons of living in shared flats in the Austrian city:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Graz
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Some flats can be found in buildings with a garden and even a barbecue place, which will allow you to enjoy the sun and the fresh air with your roommates.
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By saving on the cost of your rent, you can spend that money exploring more of the city and visiting other nearby Austrian cities such as Linz, Vienna, Innsbruck and Salzburg.
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In Graz you can choose between single spare rooms and shared rooms, choosing the alternative that best suits your budget and preferences.
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Graz
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In some cases, the entire apartment is not fully furnished, so you have to decide if you want that or not, depending on how long you will stay. You will need to buy the appliances yourself, which you will have to sell later on when you leave the flat.
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As you might expect, winter in Graz is cold and it usually snows. You have to discuss the rules of the apartment on the use of heating to avoid arguments with your roommates.
Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Graz
With the available Erasmus+ apps you can access a large number of useful resources for your exchange in Graz. For example, you will be able to see instructions to carry out different procedures and advice from other students, such as getting a second-hand bike for moving around and that you take the opportunity to get to the green areas of the city when you want to surround yourself with nature.
How to meet people in Graz
The simplest way you have is to befriend your flatmates, who are the ones who will be there when you arrive at your apartment for the first time. You can also consider the following ways to meet people in the Austrian city:
Student associations in Graz
The ESN Uni Graz is the preferred student association for international Erasmus students since with it you can do different fun activities, as well as access discounts and information about the city. Some of the plans include rock climbing, language exchanges, excursions to places like Schloss Eggenberg and theme parties, for example.
Facebook groups for Erasmus in Graz
Facebook groups are very useful to meet people, especially because they allow you to join events. For example, in the ESN Uni Graz group, the calendar of activities to be done is usually published. This association also has a marketplace in which students from previous years offer their books and other objects that can be useful for young people who come to the city.
Whatsapp groups for Erasmus in Graz
Some Facebook groups usually create WhatsApp groups so that students can be directly connected. In the case of ESN Uni Graz, the group is formed on Telegram, where you will also be able to plan activities with other young people.
Tips for living in a shared apartment in Graz
Keep these tips in mind when living in a shared apartment in this Austrian city:
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If you have the opportunity to live with a flatmate who speaks German as a native language, take it! It is the best way to practice the language, putting yourself to the test daily.
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You can choose between rooms in private flats and residences. If you prefer the second option, keep in mind that the application period usually ends in the spring, so you have to begin your search well in advance.