What Is the Difference Between Shared Accommodation and Coliving?
When looking for accommodation in Lille, the terms shared accommodation and coliving often come up.
At first glance, the two concepts seem quite similar:
- Several people live in the same property
- Some areas are shared
- Everyone has their own room
However, there are some significant differences between traditional shared accommodation and coliving.
Here is what you need to know before choosing the option that best suits your lifestyle.
Shared Accommodation: Sharing a Home
Shared accommodation has been around for a long time.
The principle is simple: several people rent an apartment or house together and share:
- The rent
- Utility bills
- Communal areas
Each housemate generally has their own private bedroom, while the kitchen, living room and sometimes the bathroom are shared.
Shared accommodation is often chosen as a way to reduce housing costs or avoid living alone.
The Limitations of Traditional Shared Accommodation
Although sharing a home has many advantages, it can also create some everyday challenges.
For example:
- Sharing bathrooms
- Dividing up household chores
- Organising grocery shopping
- Paying utility bills
- Dealing with different lifestyles and schedules
In some shared houses, communal areas can also be:
- Less comfortable
- Poorly equipped
- Or quickly become cluttered
The experience therefore depends heavily on:
- Your housemates
- How the household is organised
- The property itself
Coliving: A More Comfortable and Organised Approach
Coliving is based on the same principle of sharing a home, but offers a more modern and comfortable approach. The aim is not simply to share an apartment or house.
Coliving also aims to:
- Improve everyday comfort
- Make daily life easier
- Provide included services
In a coliving residence, residents generally have:
- A private bedroom
- A private bathroom
- Larger communal spaces
- Additional facilities
Services Included in Coliving
One of the main differences between shared accommodation and coliving is the range of services provided.
In a coliving residence, the rent often includes:
- Wi-Fi
- Cleaning of communal areas
- Utilities
- Certain subscriptions
- And sometimes leisure or fitness facilities
At La Villa Boileux, residents also enjoy:
- A coworking space
- A garden
- A gym
- A sauna
- A home cinema
- Comfortable communal areas
The idea is to provide a home that is ready to move into and enjoy from day one.
Coliving Is Particularly Popular With Young Professionals and Freelancers
Traditional house-sharing is still often associated with student life.
Coliving, on the other hand, tends to attract:
- Young professionals,
- Freelancers,
- Consultants,
- And employees travelling for work.
Many are looking for:
- Comfortable accommodation,
- A convenient location,
- Services included,
- And a friendly atmosphere without the constraints of student house-sharing.
Coliving: a more flexible experience
Coliving is also better suited to new ways of working and increased mobility.
Some people stay in Lille for:
- A few weeks,
- Several months,
- Or split their time between several cities.
Coliving gives them access to:
- Fully furnished accommodation,
- Spaces designed for remote work,
- And a more pleasant living environment than a hotel.
Community living… with more privacy
Coliving aims to strike the right balance between community, comfort and privacy.
Each resident keeps:
- Their own private space,
- Their own routine,
- And their independence.
Shared spaces provide opportunities to:
- Meet and chat with other residents,
- Spend time together,
- Without having to take part in community life all the time.
House-sharing or coliving: which one should you choose?
The choice mainly depends on:
- Your lifestyle,
- Your budget,
- And what you are looking for in your everyday life.
House-sharing may suit you if:
- Your main priority is affordable accommodation,
- You already know your housemates,
- Or you are happy to compromise more on comfort.
Coliving may be more suitable if:
- You are looking for a move-in-ready home,
- You work remotely,
- You are moving to a new city,
- You want a higher level of comfort,
- Or you would like to benefit from included services.
Choose coliving in Lille with La Villa Boileux
Located between Lille city centre and the Vauban district, La Villa Boileux offers a coliving experience designed for:
- Young professionals,
- Freelancers,
- And people staying in Lille for a few weeks or several months.
The house combines:
- Private rooms,
- Spacious shared areas,
- Included services,
- A coworking space,
- A garden,
- A gym,
- And a friendly atmosphere.
A simpler, more comfortable way to live in the heart of Lille.
