A coliving space is essentially characterized by three elements:
- Each resident has his or her own private space (at least one bedroom, often with a bathroom and sometimes a kitchenette), and shares large common areas with the others: lounge or living room, kitchen, laundry room, ancillary rooms, terraces, garden…
- The services offered are more elaborate and comprehensive than in a shared apartment.
- The residents form a real community.
These three elements vary from one coliving residence to another, which is why coliving residences are so diverse. To choose the one that’s right for you, you need to look at these three features.
1. Which residence format is right for you?
There are also “small format” residences, with fewer than 10 rooms. These residences are particularly suited to people who want an intimate, family atmosphere. Each person will get to know the other well, and there will be real proximity, with its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages: in small residences, roommates quickly become friends, forming a kind of second family. Disadvantages: if you don’t get on with several of the other housemates, you won’t have many other people to turn to.
There are also residences of intermediate size, between 10 and 50 rooms. These larger coliving spaces integrate more services than the former, and allow for a community comparable in size to a classroom, with groups that will form according to affinities.
Finally, there are the very large residences, with more than 50 rooms. These are like small villages, often with gyms, cinemas and services provided by external service providers. The large number of roommates makes these residences a little more impersonal in terms of relationships, but there are usually plenty of places to meet.
2. What services do you need?
The great advantage of coliving residences is that they offer “all-inclusive” packages. Not only is the accommodation fully furnished and equipped, but electricity, gas, water, internet and cleaning of communal areas are all included. Whichever residence you choose, everything is done to simplify your life and relieve you of the administrative burden.
Depending on the size of the residence, additional services can be provided: dry cleaning, shopping, meals, gym, yoga and painting classes. Bikes, scooters and cars can be shared. Housework can be done in your private space on request. There can be a dedicated coworking space. The list goes on!
Some residences offer so many services and activities that you can do everything on site: work and leisure. If you’re very busy at work and don’t want to waste time commuting, this type of residence is highly appreciated.
3. What type of community would you like to work in?
Coliving is about space and services, but it’s also about people. Some residences bring together people with common interests, professional or otherwise. Some colivings are dedicated to graphic designers, IT specialists and influencers. Others may bring together people with a common passion, such as ecology, cooking or surfing. The links can be stronger, and discussions and joint activities more numerous. But it can also be interesting to mix genres and get together with people you wouldn’t have met elsewhere, as you’re enriched by your differences.
Coliving spaces are therefore numerous and varied. If you think about what you want from them, you’re sure to find a residence in which you’ll feel at home.