Privacy in Shared Living Spaces. How Co-Living Strikes the Balance

The focus on community and shared spaces is already in the name – co-living. Given communal spaces, their maintenance and use are usually the point of friction in traditional house shares, this sounds like a horrible idea. But not when you learn more about co-living as a concept and the freedom it gives you to tailor your renting experience to be fully aligned with your preferences. 

Despite being a building aimed at fostering a community between its residents, co-living establishments also put a strong emphasis on privacy. With the balance in this regard being an incredibly individual thing, the co-living model is practically flawless. You, as a resident, get to decide what your preferences are and build your experience around them.

Is Privacy Possible in a Co-Living Environment?

Absolutely! Despite a heavy focus on community, your apartment remains your safe haven. If you don’t feel like socialising, you always have your own space and privacy. Additionally, unlike houseshares, you’re not tied to sharing communal kitchens or bathrooms – co-living studios are inclusive of both for your private use. 

While fostering a community inside the building through shared amenities and curated activities, co-living accommodations respect the residents’ need for privacy. For that reason, both studios and shared spaces are delivering luxe quality. No matter what you choose to do, your experience won’t suffer. 

How Does Co-Living Protect Personal Space?

Co-living might sound like something from a nightmare realm for more introverted people, but rest assured, it’s nowhere near that. Even those with lower social batteries can easily integrate into the flow of the co-living community. Ultimately, the experience you have is built by you and your preferences. Further down, we’ll explain how.  

Private Spaces Remain Just That: Private

If you don’t wish to ever interact with other residents, you don’t have to. (Although we highly suggest you do!) Every studio flat is equipped with its own kitchen and bathroom, as well as storage spaces and, sometimes, even a TV. The shared amenities within the building, like the gym or a cinema, are easily accessible outside too. For a fee, of course, unlike having them as part of your rent costs. 

Additionally, if you want to use amenities without the risk of someone interrupting your lonesome (or if you’re bringing friends over for a private party), you can usually book them for several hours. In most co-living buildings, however, this is a paid service and the prices differ depending on the operator. Finally, you’re the only holder of the keys to your studio: no one will disturb you there. 

Shared Spaces are Designed to Be Optional

Just because shared amenities are designed to be spaces where you can mingle with other residents, it doesn’t mean you can’t utilise them even when you don’t feel like interacting. For example, the communal kitchens have several stovetops with a fair distance from one another and isolated booths if you feel like eating alone. At a co-working space, you have meeting pods for privacy, as well as more sheltered spaces. 

The events aren’t mandatory either. Usually, there will be some sort of schedule published on the app or across the building, but what and when you want to attend is completely up to you. Unlike houseshares, in co-living, you aren’t forced to rub shoulders in tiny communal spaces you’re forced to share. They’re built mindfully and designed to accommodate different levels of social comfort. 

Why Do So Many Renters Misunderstand Co-Living?

While co-living is growing increasingly more popular in the UK and more people are interested in exploring it, there’s still a lot of scepticism surrounding the concept. Why are the Brits so hesitant to experience this twist on shared living spaces when it’s booming in other countries? Let’s discuss. 

Traditional House Shares Have Shaped Expectations

Unlike co-living, the concept of sharing a multi-bedroom house with a bunch of strangers is not a novelty concept. In fact, for most, this is the natural next step when entering adulthood and leaving their parents’ home. With housesharing being a normalised way of living, the array of issues that come with it is also seen as normal. Unresponsive landlords, low living standards, incompatible housemates – all are being recognised as part of the experience. 

Because it’s been true for so long, it’s difficult for people to think there’s an alternative. Many fail to imagine sharing space with others without being inconvenienced by different standards of cleanliness. Or being constantly subjected to rubbing shoulders in communal spaces, as well as having to wait for your turn to use a bathroom. Co-living is fundamentally different from that. But stereotypes formed over the decades are hard to shake. 

Modern Renters Want Both Independence and Connection

Striking a balance is hard in practically everything, but in the ever-changing world of technological advancement, it’s almost impossible. The modern speed of innovation has made us more connected than ever. At the same time, it breeds demands higher than ever, leaving everyone both fatigued and craving social interactions. Hence, the modern renters seek independence and connection simultaneously. 

Co-living is the model that delivers it. It fosters communication and nurtures relationship building, but it doesn’t force you to. It gives the resident full freedom in tailoring their experience, choosing the ratio of alone time and engagement, and keeps both options available at any given time. In other words, it allows you to work out what your personal balance is and adhere to it.

Who Benefits Most from This Balance?

Most certainly the renter. While some can argue that co-living accommodations are on the pricier end, they deliver value that no traditional houseshare could. Namely, a balance. Not to mention, if you consider all bills, use of amenities and community events are covered by the rent, it’s actually cheaper than regular renting. 

Customise Your Life to Your Likings

As briefly mentioned before, your co-living experience fully depends on your preferences. The degree to which you get involved with the community, the shared amenities you use, or the events you attend are all optional. There is no expectation of you being friends with everyone in the building – it’s a choice. 

Similarly, you don’t need to feel constricted by the curated events if you’re more of a people person. Co-living is a perfect environment for you to take the initiative and organise your own community gatherings and activities, utilising the amenities within the building. Not to mention, everyone is allowed to bring their friends and families. After all, this is your home – it’s meant to be your safe and comfortable space. 

Summary

With the understanding of shared houses having been shaped by decades of practice, people are sceptical about accepting co-living as an alternative. The discomfort caused by the lack of privacy outside one’s room makes it hard to imagine living in a building where all amenities are shared being different. But it is. Not only can shared amenities be booked in advance for more solitary use, but they also house privacy-bidding designs for those with preferences. And your studio flat will always be your sanctuary. 

In the modern world of extremes and constant changes, balance is hard to achieve. Ultimately, the very concept is very individual, and thus there’s no one-for-all fit. That’s why co-living works: it puts you at the wheel of what your renting life is looking like. How much do you interact with other residents, do you participate in functions, and so on. You get to experiment to find what your balance is and then adjust in accordance to it. That said, whether you’re an outgoing extrovert or a more solitary introvert, co-living will accommodate your specific needs for privacy. 

Curious to learn more? Come experience it for yourself.