What does ‘coliving’ actually mean?

The concept of coliving is inspiring, exciting and to many unknown. If anything, the concept is still developing and as it grows to become more mainstream next to its sister idea of coworking, there needs to be greater encouragement of understanding what coliving can offer.

Coworking has changed from something thought of as a fad, to a concept revolutionising how we work. In a similar way, coliving spaces are beginning to redefine what we traditionally call a home. One only has to look to the beginnings of coworking spaces to see the strong misconceptions and suspicion that can be held surrounding the growth of new ideas, as is the case of coliving now.

When people first hear the term coliving, most think of student accomodation, hippy communes and small bedsits. There is thus clear pushback against the development of coliving schemes.

Whether you’re wanting to understand what coliving actually means or to figure out whether you would like to try it out, we at Comunita would like to straighten out some of the common misconceptions and highlight its benefits.

Although you may not have heard of coliving before, examples of coliving spaces have actually existed for centuries, such as ashrams in India. Furthermore, in the present day, there are backpackers, student dorms and rest-homes the world over. These all share the community centred coliving approach.

Coliving itself is slightly different though in that its spaces are intentionally designed to be like a small home, not a cramped, impersonal dorm room. It is a place to live, not just to pass through and visit.

Furthermore, you have a space all to yourself and can choose whenever you want to take part in an already set-up community or have some private alone time. Each private room has its own kitchenette to so you can choose whether to contribute to cooking in the shared spaces or not. Coliving provides the best of both worlds. It encourages community as well as individuality.

The ideas founding coliving are not new either. Community, belonging and a shared ecosystem of ideas, support and resources are concepts blooming with the growth of an increasingly interconnected and globalised world. In these spaces, the people around you all have different beliefs, backgrounds and ages. Furthermore, coliving is not just for millennials. All age groups are welcome to make this space their home. It is a place for families and couples too. Everyone can learn from, inspire, and collaborate with each other, building strong relationships.

With rising house markets and rental prices, it is increasingly difficult for people to have a choice in where they live. Finding a place you can call home has become a competitive business favouring a few. Coliving gives you another choice. It provides lower rent, can be situated closer to where you work and also provides a community that you may not find through flatting or living in your own isolated property. It can be a place where you choose to plant your roots or a temporary place for those not ready to settle. Furthermore, coliving encourages a greater sustainable lifestyle where resources such as food and transport can be shared and an improved work-life balance is encouraged.

Coliving matters as it provides a way to reconnect with people, purpose and yourself. Would you try coliving? If not, do you have any fears holding you back? Let us know in the comments below.