Coliving allows you to share a home with others while still having your own private space. It therefore involves a great deal of interaction with other colivers. While many residences offer a range of services to help you forge links (video room, gym, etc.), how can you create or maintain warm relationships when nothing is provided? Many activities are possible, and easy to set up.
1. Organize “almost perfect dinner” evenings
Once a week or every 15 days, 2 housemates take it in turns to cook a dinner for everyone on a theme of their choice (it could be a country, a profession, a color…). They decorate the table beautifully and plan some theme-related entertainment. At the end of the evening, the guests mark the organizers on the atmosphere, the meal and the decor. When all the guests have passed, the duo with the best average wins the competition. A gift can be arranged to motivate the troops!
2. Playing sports together to motivate each other
It’s not always easy to go for a run outside when it’s raining, or to get in a fitness session when all you want to do is stay under the comforter! Joining forces is motivating, because you don’t want to leave the others behind, and it also makes the workouts much more enjoyable. But not all colivers have the same sporting desires. The best thing to do is to form small groups with the same desires (soccer, Pilates, running, swimming…) and stick to at least one session a week. In just a few months, you’ll all be in Olympic shape!
3. Organize a fancy dress party
Once or twice a year, you can organize a fancy dress party with a different theme. But don’t go out and buy a ready-made costume! Everyone will have to create their own costume with their own hands. There’s bound to be some creative minds at work, and some costumes that are sure to get a lot of laughs. The best costume wins an evening at the restaurant or a photo in the show’s Hall of Fame.
4. Introduce a Sunday snack
On Sunday afternoons, we’re often a bit down in the dumps. Curl up with a hot chocolate and homemade cake on a cosy blanket and tell others about your week, your weekend, the latest film or gossip from the people…. What fun! It’ll help you end the week on a high note, while strengthening the bonds of the colivers.
5. Plan themed movie nights
We all have different tastes and knowledge when it comes to movies and TV series. Let the other housemates discover your favorite horror film, the best Spanish comedy or the great classic that makes you cry every time! Whether on video platforms or on-demand, it’s easy to watch any film you like at home. We sometimes forget the pleasure of watching a film together. So don’t be shy about sharing your laughs, your thrills or your crocodile tears!
There are many other activities to mention, but the best thing to do is to create your own weekly evenings, rituals that will strengthen the cohesion of your home and make you feel like a second family.