Moving into a shared living space can be a big step. However, with the right mindset and approach, it can be a life-changing experience. Continue reading our ultimate guide to learn more about how you can get the best out of your co-living experience! 

Stay social 

This is the most important thing to keep in mind. If you want to make friendships and lasting bonds with your roommates, you need to make an effort and start getting involved. Try your best to organize social events, like movie nights, and dinners out.

Every time your roommates invite you to something, do your best to tag along. The only way you will get a positive experience out of co-living in Singapore is if you go the extra mile to bond with everyone.

This is the only way that you will make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. If you need more ideas, check out these 7 Singapore co-living bonding ideas!

Tips, tricks, and etiquette 

To keep a positive shared space you’ll need to be a good roommate. Nothing can turn a budding friendship sour if you break any of the unspoken co-living rules.

Below, are a few tips and tricks to keep on top of your etiquette game and get the best out of your co-living experience long-term! 

• Be tidy: This is the number one rule. Always clean up after yourself, no matter if it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or living room. No one wants to live with a messy person. Your bad hygiene habits could quickly ruin the community atmosphere in your shared home.

• Be respectful: You need to be considerate towards your roommates, this means keeping the volume down past a certain hour. For instance, if your roommate has an exam the next morning, don’t bring friends around for a party the night before!Common spaces are all about respect, and if you want to have a positive home, you need to follow this golden rule.

• Be honest: If you have any problems or questions, it’s important to talk to your roommates about it. A healthy and happy co-living environment is all about communication. It may be difficult at first to speak up about any issues, but it will benefit the entire home in the long run.

• Cleaning duties: Try and get this sorted and out of the way as soon as possible. Shared communal spaces need to be cleaned regularly. You can organize a roster where everyone takes turns.
  
  If everyone doesn’t have time, invest in housekeeping services. If the cost is split between a large group of people it actually won’t cost much, and it means that the burden won’t fall unfairly on one person. 

If you need a proper read on co-living behaviour, here’s an article on how to becoming a better co-living neighbour.

Take a time out

Communal living is a lot of fun! However, spending time with people 24/7 can often get exhausting. Make sure you put aside time for yourself to recharge and relax. This may mean spending some time in your room or saying no to social activities.

If your roommates are worried about you missing out, just say you’re tired and need some time to unwind. They’ll understand, and it will be a great way to get your energy back for the next social event!

Co-working space

If you have a large living area or spare rooms, make sure everyone works out the distribution of surplus space. A good idea is to turn extra room into a co-working area.

If everyone is studying and working, it could be a great idea to have a large table in the living room that everyone can use to get their work done. This is also a good option for digital nomads, who may be working from home full-time.

Perhaps, you can even set up specific times during the day where everyone can study and work together. This is a great way to create a vibrant working and co-living space that’s inclusive for everyone!

Keep Communicating

When you’re residing in shared living communities, your roommates are like your family. This is why you need to communicate effectively. This is important for building relationships but also promoting safety.

For instance, if you’re a digital nomad and always on the move, you need to tell your roommates when you won’t be around. You don’t want people to be worried about you, so you need to keep everyone updated on your day-to-day activities and movements. 

Make sure you do the same for your roommates, so you can all look out for each other! 

Choose carefully

This is probably the most important piece of information you need to understand. When it comes to shared accommodation you need to find a group of like-minded people.

Some co-living spaces are party houses while others are for working professionals. It’s essential to find a community that suits your lifestyle and needs. 

This is why it’s great to get in touch with a real estate agent or community manager that can connect you with the perfect co-living home! 

Is sharing truly caring?

Co-living is all about sharing, right? Actually, it’s a little more complicated than that. From the first moment you move in, it’s important to discuss what the house dynamics will be like. For instance, is everyone going to put in money for groceries?

Will you cook home meals to share? Every person is different and will want different things. This is why it’s essential to work out the nuts and bolts of the co-living arrangement and sharing economy first. If you’re not sharing the essentials, make sure you respect every one else’s things.

On the other hand, if everyone is sharing, do your best to be part of the team. If you’re a polite and respectful roommate, you’ll have a greater chance at building lifelong friendships with your roommates. 

It’s important to understand the flow under one roof but there are just something you don’t do. Here’s a list of co-living no-nos.

Overall, the more you live with other people the better you’ll get at co-living. It can take some time to get adjusted, so just be patient, understand co-living etiquette and put in the effort to make it a seamless and positive transition. If you play your cards right, co-living can be an incredible and life-changing experience 

Want to explore shared apartment spaces? Check out the links below to discover amazing coliving spaces in the heart of Singapore!

– Auberge Deluxe
– Carlisle Attic With Balcony
– Vista Studio Loft 
– Two Sixty One Penthouse