Make sure your coliving community has aligned incentives. Everyone should have a north star they are working towards, and the missions of your roommates should complement one another.
From my experience this is the #1 thing which helps create an environment everyone feels fulfilled and excited to be in. If you can successfully foster this, the day to day chores of running a coliving space will fall into place much easier.
Also, don’t make our mistake by being all guys from the beginning. If you don’t have a diverse group from the get go it is 100X harder to solve that problem down the line post launch!
Try to take initiative to meet with people around you and learn as much as you can from the people that you are living with. After a few months you will end up learning a lot about yourself, your comfort zone, a lot of new topic and different fields. Some stuff you won’t like but don’t forget it’s a unique experience that is shaped with your individual input.
Each community houses is a unique experience formed by individuals, just acknowledge that you are a part of that whole experience and have a chance to hugely affect that!
In terms of making the most out of your experience, I’d say prioritize spending time exploring the city with the people you are living with (every weekend even), depending on the group size - doing things together as a group is super important like cooking, biking, or just having time in the morning to chat before work! Also meeting people/making friends with those who live in the city & who are outside your house group.
Tl;dr separate the noise from signal as best as you can :)
I’d say definitely make the most out of the community you’re in and get to know everyone there! But trying to build so many relationships quickly can get overwhelming and make you lose sight of your goals and why you came. In my experience, focusing on a few deeper connections makes me happier and leads to more lifelong friendships.
I'd align your main expectations and goals out of coliving with your housemates and house -- some people want community, some want a network, some just want cheaper rent. Matching expectations is best so you're not disappointed and know what's on the table. Then I'd check out different coliving house vibes. The hosts really matter and set the mood. Once you're there, I'd try your best to get along with people and enjoy your time (but have a backup ready for places to stay if things go south). Things that I find help are having a meal or hangout individually with each person, and starting or joining recurring weekly activities. Each city has unique things to offer, don't forget to explore together!
It’s good to think about what your objectives are for living in a coliving house and constantly re-evaluate if you’re getting the experience you wanted. living in a coliving house could also be distracting at times, so it’d be helpful to set boundaries when needed!
My coliving houses have been some of the most impactful experiences I’ve immersed myself in. I’d recommend setting aside time to make the most out of coliving. Allow yourself to be spontaneous and be 100% present when spending time with others. Embrace that impromptu kitchen conversation, full send on that all-nighter spent having deep conversations, and take up that weekend hackathon to hack with your housemates on a fun project. The first two weeks will be crazy, during the middle things will settle down and you’ll get some rest, and the last two weeks will be crazy again. Embrace the chaotic energy! These bonds and memories will almost for sure last a lifetime :)