I don't think it's strange at all living with your colleagues as they soon become your friends and you establish a social life outside of work. If for some reason you don't get on with the people you are placed with, you have the option of moving. After your 6 month probationary period you also have the option of moving out of company accomodation into private accomodation that you find for yourself. You will be given an allowance for this (not much though).
I was cabin crew with EK for 4 years but left recently to return to the UK. Did 4 years with Gulf Air before that so decided that 8 years in the Middle East was enough & it was time to leave. There's definitely no place like home
.