A 44-year-old shares what it's like to live in a London co-living space that's like a dorm for adults
Amandine Alexandra, by The CollectiveThis is what The Collective calls a "twodio." It looks a lot like a student dorm room.A new co-living space offering halls of residence-style accommodation to adults with rent starting at £250/week has just opened in Willesden Junction in northwest London.
Residents of The Collective at Old Oak Common live in one of 551 en-suite rooms. Residents can choose a studio, which has a small kitchen, or a "twodio," which comes with access to a kitchen shared with another roommate.
Tenants also have access to larger communal kitchens, lounges, games rooms, a roof garden, and even a cinema, The Tab reports.
Vacancies are going rapidly, a spokesperson for the property told Business Insider.
The building appeals to professionals like resident Erik Vonk, a business development manager at The Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce, who moved into a studio there on May 1, paying around £1,200 in rent per month.
"The attraction is how new it is," the 44-year-old told Business Insider over email. He said he particularly likes having access to a gym, sauna, and rooftop terrace - all of which are included with membership to The Collective.
Amandine Alexandra, by The CollectiveResidents at The Collective have access to a spa.
Vonk, who has been living in rented properties in London for the last 10 years, said that the rent at The Collective is similar to what he has paid to live in other residences in nearby St. John's Wood and Queen's Park.
But he gets a lot more for his money: "I still had to share a bathroom [at previous residences] and I didn't have a roof terrace or gym and spa," he said.
His studio has an en-suite bathroom, much like a typical dorm room, but it's not as lacklustre, designed with boutique furniture including a double bed, desk, chair, and storage space, like all of the other rooms in the building.
Although he lives alone, Vonk said he enjoys the sense of community encouraged at Old Oak.
"Since I have everything for myself [in a studio], I will get to meet [other people] in the common areas like the library, sauna or the games room," he said.
Though Vonk said there's just a small group of people currently living there, he's already made an effort to meet his fellow tenants. So far, he said he's attended a social event on the rooftop terrace, and a "Game of Thrones" viewing session in the cinema room.
Social gatherings at The Collective are coordinated by three "community managers," who organise talks, music, and other community-inspiring events, like the ones university students are used to.
The idea of living at Old Oak is to "experience new things, share ideas and build friendships with a community of creative and ambitious young people," according to The Collective's website.
There's also a launderette and grocery shop - also similar to living in student halls of residence - as well as a 24-hour concierge on-site at all times.
Additionally, residents have their bills and utilities (such as council tax and Wi-Fi) covered in a monthly fee included in the rent, which pays for a cleaning and linen service every two weeks - another reason Vonk likes living there, he said.
There's just one thing residents have to take responsibility for: "You just have to pay the TV licence yourself," Vonk said.