Coliving is often described as having all the advantages of a shared apartment without the disadvantages. This is partly true, but in fact it often offers many more advantages. Let’s take a look at them.
A much larger, better-equipped living space
With coliving, each person has a private space (bedroom, bathroom, sometimes kitchen) and shares the rest of the residence with the other colivers. With rental prices now exorbitant in many large cities, many people earning a decent living can’t hope to get more than a studio or small apartment in a bad location if they rent property individually. With coliving, for the same budget, they’ll have access to much more central and upscale neighborhoods, and benefit from spacious and often ultra-equipped communal living areas: large living room, kitchen, extra rooms such as gyms or movie theaters. They gain both space and comfort.
Community spirit and mutual enrichment
Shared spaces encourage encounters and interaction between colivers: meals sometimes eaten together, lively evenings, Friday aperitifs… Coliving often sees the birth of beautiful friendships that are anchored in time, because unlike virtual social networks, it’s real life that’s shared and not an illusion of it. And while virtual networks have their uses, there’s no substitute for real encounters. But if you’re in the mood to stay in your room all evening, there’s no problem – nothing is ever imposed.
In addition to friendships and even romantic relationships (yes, it happens…), it’s not uncommon for professional mutual aid to develop, especially when the colivers work in the same field. It’s a real networking experience, and a rewarding one for all concerned. What’s more, with distance working on the increase, it’s comforting and very useful to find people with whom you can share your passions.
An all-inclusive offer
With coliving, you pay a flat rate that includes rent of course, but also electricity, water, heating, internet… There’s nothing to manage, no forgotten bills, no transfers to set up, no cancellations to schedule… You have a free mind! And when it comes to cleaning, a frequent source of friction in an old-fashioned shared flat, it’s also included in the charges for common areas.
The apartments, houses or coliving residences are fully furnished (often tastefully), so all you have to do is walk in with your suitcase. Appliances, kitchen equipment and crockery are all provided, right down to the teaspoon.
Additional services
In some larger coliving residences, additional services are offered to make your life easier: yoga classes, cooking classes, shared vehicle, coworking space, gym, cinema room, game room… So many opportunities to strengthen your ties with the colivers without having to run across town!
Coliving is often chosen initially for material reasons, but you become attached to it because you find a second family and an art of living!