Why choose co-living in Singapore?

Whether you’re moving to Singapore or looking to move into a new place of your own, one important thing to decide is the type of living arrangement that’s best for you. While some people prefer the social aspects of renting a room in an apartment with other people, there are also those who prefer the privacy of living alone. Co-living in Singapore is a third option that gives you the best of both worlds – your own private space with community areas that allow you to connect with neighbours from all walks of life. Not sure what co-living is all about? Here are some of the things you can look forward to at Coliwoo, an urbanised co-living community with locations across the island.

Benefits of a co-living space

#1 It’s a cost-effective living situation

Renting an apartment on your own can be a costly affair. In addition to rent and potential agent fees, you may also have to pay for essential amenities like utilities and broadband services. At Coliwoo, amenities and maintenance fees are included in the membership rates, making it a more cost-effective option than renting most apartments on your own. You also don’t need to worry about spending money on furniture as rooms come fully furnished.

#2 Fully furnished rooms

If you’re studying or living in Singapore for a short period of time, buying furniture and essentials for your rental space can be a stressful experience. You have to set aside a separate budget for that and deal with the hassle of selling the furniture before you leave. Coliwoo’s rooms come fully furnished with essentials like beds, desks, lighting and an en-suite bathroom. There are also shared amenities like kitchens, lounges and gyms. It’s essentially a home away from home with none of the worries of dealing with a rented, unfurnished apartment.

#3 It’s an easy way to make new friends

If you’re moving to Singapore from abroad, co-living is a fantastic way to make friends and find a community you belong in. For anyone new to Singapore, these social interactions are the best way to learn about the local culture – from the best cafés and hangout places, to where to grab a drink. Like co-working spaces, Coliwoo also holds frequent activities and events for members, from yoga classes to air plant workshops. And, on the days when you’d rather take some time for yourself, you always have your own private space to return to.

#4 Well-connected locations near offices and academic institutions

With accommodation at five co-living spaces in Singapore, it’s easy to find a location convenient for you, whether you’re moving to Singapore to work or study. Saving time on travel also means you’ve got more opportunities to take advantage of Coliwoo’s many community events. The properties are also located near hawker centres and malls, which means loads of dining options! Need tips on the best nearby lunch spots? You can always ask your neighbours for advice – just one of the many perks of co-living in Singapore!

#5 Flexible, independent leases

When renting a room in an apartment, longer term leases often come with better rates. This pressures renters into entering long-term contracts that leave little room for flexibility. With Coliwoo, you can rent on a monthly basis for greater tenure flexibility, with no long-term contracts or agent fees. Find that you love the co-living lifestyle and want to stay even longer? You can always extend your membership with Coliwoo whenever you wish!

What co-living in Singapore is like – from Coliwoo member Alexander Kharkovskii

How did you decide on Coliwoo when you moved to Singapore?

I guess the most important consideration when renting a room was the cost. There were a lot of options like condos, which are twice as expensive, even with the smallest possible living areas. Here, I feel like I have more than just my own room. I have the whole building along with shared spaces and a beautiful garden! I feel like the garden is also mine because I’m free to plant my own flowers or plants.

Can you tell us more about the shared spaces?

One of the more attractive aspects of a co-living space are the community areas. Let’s take a look at the kitchen, for example. They say Singapore is one of the most multicultural countries in the world; you can see it everywhere here. But in a shared kitchen you can feel it on your own. So many people are cooking different cuisines with a varying smells and tastes – this is such a welcoming sight! This is also the biggest kitchen I’ve had in my life! It’s just awesome – much better than condo kitchens, which are often tiny.

What’s life like in a co-living space?

It’s really difficult to feel all the advantages of co-living because of COVID. There are few parties, events or gatherings; I expect this will happen more when COVID restrictions end. But I do still see small groups playing games together pretty often.

I’ve had some interesting experiences though! Like when we fed the otters that visit us occasionally, or when we saved a hen and her chick from a drain. I also enjoy taking part in all the contests that are organised here, like competitions for the best Christmas tree ornament or most unique New Year wish.

Embarking on your co-living journey in Singapore

If community living sounds like it’s right for you, getting a membership and renting a room with Coliwoo is easy. Enquiries can be made directly by emailing enquiry@coliwoo.com. For more information on Coliwoo, click here.

Written in collaboration with Coliwoo.

Dinesh Ajith

Dinesh is a seasoned writer and editor with seven years of experience covering travel, restaurants and bars. His interests include film photography, cheesy 90s monster flicks, and scouring the island for under-the-radar craft beer bars.