Coliving comes from the very soul of human existence – the desire to belong to a community. Humans have always been social animals – living, travelling, and hunting in groups to ensure a sense of security. Today, we want to be around people share the same goals and values as us. This study by the University of Kansas showed how humans are hard-wired to interact with like-minded people. The stronger the connection, the more robust your community will be. This mantra has become the very basis of creating coliving spaces.
Now, more than ever, people seek out like-minded communities to foster a nurturing social circle. The COVID Pandemic showed us its importance too. Surrounding yourself with the right kind of people encourages growth and collaboration. While coliving spaces in India are still a nascent phenomenon, it won’t be long before you see them everywhere.
If you are someone who’s always on the move and looking for opportunities to connect, have fun and grow your network, consider coliving for digital nomads.
Table of Contents
What is coliving?
For digital nomads and remote workers, coliving brings together a community of like-minded people who can bond, belong and build together. This is crucial especially for people who are moving cities or travelling to new places on their own. It helps you not feel isolated or alone. Moreover, it makes it easier for you to travel, take breaks and be productive.
Coliving spaces are shared living spaces that prioritise community living for digital nomads . It can be a house with multiple rooms rented to different individuals. It can also be entire building with multiple apartments or homes within a common gated complex. A typical coliving space will have a private rooms or dorms, a common room to socialise, a workspace, internet connection and a shared kitchen.
Coliving spaces are best suited for remote workers and digital nomads such as freelancers, entrepreneurs and employees. For startups and teams, coliving spaces can facilitate a seamless team retreat experience.
What are the benefits of coliving?
Coliving benefits individuals looking to connect, network, and collaborate. They’re a growing favourite for digital nomads in most south Asian digital nomad destinations. The major benefits of a coliving space are lease-free living, ergonomic coworking spaces, private rooms, curated community and so on.
1. Lease-free living for digital nomads
Most digital nomads stay for about 3-4 months in a new location. However, rental leases can prevent you from taking it. For example, most landlords in India ask for a minimum 1-year lease. What if you don’t like your new destination? On the other hand, Airbnbs and hotels can be expensive and isolating.
So what do you do?
This is where coliving spaces come in. They come with all essential amenities for digital nomads (furnished rooms, workspaces, kitchen, restaurants, power backup and internet connection). You won’t have to spend days shopping for stuff in a new country, you won’t have to spend time setting up your home and you won’t be sitting alone working in your secluded Airbnb. You can work on your own time, be part of the local community events and just make the best of your workation in India!
2. A tailored coliving community
Backpacker hostels in Paris have wine and cheese nights where you can get tipsy and make new friends. It helps you make new friends when you’re travelling. But if you are a digital nomad, the hostel crowd might not be for you. Imagine a 20-year old asking you if you want to do shots at 11 am on a Monday. Not ideal, right?
Digital nomad focused coliving spaces will have the community that you are looking for. At NomadGao, the coliving community bonds bonfires, karaokes and Nomad Connects (events where we invite experiences remote professionals to talk about their experience). Instead of looking for a needle through the haystack you get a stack of needles all to yourself!
Digital nomads need a community to grow and adapt on their travels. You cannot do it alone. Moreover, why would you pass the opportunity to meet someone who could help you travel cheaper or save time on a particular work-related task?
3. Coliving offers everything you need, in once place
Imagine finding a nice hotel but then realising you have to travel 20 minutes one way to the closest coworking space. Everyday!
Coliving spaces cater to digital nomads and remote workers. Hence, most of them come equipped with all essential facilities such as coworking spaces, good internet, a shared kitchen, a cafe, and good, comfortable seating. They help cut down on the additional cost of having to book a coworking space separately. Moreover, a lot of spaces also have additional meeting rooms, call rooms and more. Easy-peasy, right?
4. Community, culture and collaboration
You log out for the day, pour yourself some tea and decide to drop in for a community event at your coliving space. You meet a digital nomad who has been working in the same field as you are. You get to talking and realise you can help them in their project. They love the idea and decide to take you on. Romantic, right?
NomadGao sees its community as an offline LinkedIn for professionals who are always on the move. Not just that, it’s also a space that can be nourishing, educational and nurturing. You could find your next workout partner, finally find someone to share that sushi-platter-for-two or get travel tips that will save your life. Who knows, right? NomadGao also organises community events to facilitate connections. You can be part of community karaoke, BBQ dinners, beach volleyball, surfing in India and so on.
Final Verdict
The concept of coliving spaces in India is still new. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s fully capable of supporting digital nomads in India. Workations are no vacations. Coliving spaces can help you manage your finances better by offering you discounted long stay accommodation, productive workspaces and a community that will make you never want to go back to the office.
Looking for Coliving Spaces in India?
Check out NomadGao’s Destination Guides!
