New people, a new city, maybe even a completely new phase of life – flat-sharing castings are a first step. And they can be quite nerve-wracking: How do you introduce yourself without being ingratiating? What if the others are completely different? And do you actually have to bring anything with you?

In short: No. But preparation helps. And the right attitude helps even more.

Here are five tips on how to go to your next flat share audition relaxed and confident – and find out whether the flat share is right for you. Not just the other way around.

1. clarify: What do you actually want?

Before you even ring the doorbell, ask yourself: What is important to you in a shared flat?

• Are you looking for peace and quiet and retreat or exchange and community?
• How important are cleanliness, evenings together or similar everyday activities to you?
• What is not possible for you (constant visitors, loud parties, chaos)?

Once you’ve clarified this for yourself, you’ll go into the interview in a completely different way – because you’re not just being “cast”, you’re helping to decide whether it’s a good fit.

2. make yourself smart – but stay relaxed

Find out briefly about the shared flat: who lives there, what do they do, what is the situation like? If there is an ad with some information – read it carefully. This not only shows interest, but also helps you to assess yourself: Do you fit in? Do you want to live there?

And if you don’t understand something (e.g. cryptic flat share descriptions like “we love inspiring minimalism”): Feel free to ask.

3. introduce yourself – but don’t make a play out of it

You don’t have to put on an act. You don’t have to be “particularly cool”, “super neat” or “always in a good mood”. Just say who you are, what you do, what makes you tick – and what you’re looking for.

A few things that are often of interest:

• What do you like to do right now?
• What does your everyday life look like?
• How do you envision good coexistence?

You don’t have to list all your hobbies or roll out your life story. But a little context helps to assess you – as a roommate, not as an application.

4. be open – and ask questions too

A good flat share casting is not an interrogation, but a conversation at eye level. So: ask questions! For example:

• How is everyday life in the shared flat?
• Are there joint evenings or is it rather every man for himself?
• How do you organize your cleaning schedule, finances and guests?

This way you show interest – and find out for yourself whether you might feel comfortable there.

5. you stay – and relax

Yes, you might really want the room. But you also want to live somewhere where you can be yourself. Where you don’t constantly feel like you have to pretend.

Therefore: Take a deep breath. Trust your instincts. And if, after the interview, you think: “That wasn’t mine somehow” – then that’s also a valuable insight.

Tip at the end: A short thank you after the casting can have a sympathetic effect. Not a must, but a nice, respectful conclusion.

Conclusion:

A WG casting is not a stage for the “best version” of you. It’s a moment when you can honestly show who you are – and what you need.

And if it fits, it’s not because you’ve bent – it’s because it feels right.