Coliving Explained: What It Is — and What It Isn’t

Even though the benefits of coliving are becoming more visible, many people still picture something very different from reality. They confuse modern coliving communities with cheap student housing or holiday hostels and miss how carefully designed this way of living actually is. Before you decide whether coliving could work for you, let us look at a few big myths and see what is true and what is not.‍

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“Coliving is only for students”

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This is probably the most common myth about coliving and it is simply not true. A lot of coliving houses are a mix of young professionals, expats, interns, freelancers and remote workers. For instance in the HoC community more than 65% are expats.  Some are starting their first job, others are on a temporary assignment abroad or building a location independent career. Coliving attracts people who want independence and social connection at the same time. It’s about living among like-minded adults who value both personal space and shared experiences — not about recreating student dorm life.

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“There is no privacy”

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In a good coliving space, privacy is part of the design, not something you have to fight for. You have your own room, bathroom and a very simple rule that everyone understands: a closed door means “I need my space”. You decide when you join life in the shared kitchen or living room and when you switch off and recharge in your own space. Coliving is shared living but it is not sharing every minute of your day.

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“It is noisy and messy”

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Some random flatshares are noisy and messy, that part is true. But a well run coliving community works differently. There are clear house rules around guests and quiet hours, regular cleaning of shared areas and a basic level of respect because people actually apply to live there. You still hear conversation and laughter in the kitchen, you still feel that gentle buzz of people around you but it is not chaos every night. It is everyday life, shared with others, in a way that still feels calm and liveable.

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If you are still not sure whether coliving is for you, the easiest next step is to talk to someone who lives and breathes it every day. House of co team is happy to help you figure out what you really need, a quiet studio, a more social house, a place close to Antwerp Central or a calmer neighbourhood. Send us a message, tell us a bit about yourself and what “feeling at home” means to you and we will help you find the coliving in Antwerp that fits you best or be honest if something else would suit you better.