Cohabs in Madrid: Where Strangers Become Housemates and Housemates Become Friends

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Moving to a new city like Madrid is the adventure of a lifetime. However, amongst the feelings of excitement and eagerness, it might also feel a little bit daunting. When it comes to finding housing, building a social circle, or even just getting your bearings, there’s a lot to consider. If you’re looking for a housing solution that helps with all of the above, you may consider coliving. It’s a lifestyle designed to help you settle in quickly, feel at home, and make meaningful connections with like-minded people.

Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a digital nomad, coliving in Madrid offers more than just a place to sleep. It offers a wonderful, vibrant community.

Check out their student rooms and apartments for rent in Madrid via the Citylife Student & Expat Accommodation Madrid search platform.

What is Coliving?

Coliving is a modern way of living that combines private spaces with shared areas, which offers the perfect mix of alone time and socializing. Members live in fully furnished rooms and share common spaces like kitchens, lounges, workspaces, and sometimes even gyms or rooftops.

Cohabs, an international coliving platform, is active in Madrid and is here to make your stay as effortless as possible!

Unlike traditional apartment rentals, coliving is designed to make socializing easier. Cohabs offers fully-furnished, no-hassle shared homes that are also thoughtfully designed. From the moment you move in, you’re part of an exciting, international community. With everything from utilities to cleaning included, you can focus more on enjoying the enticing ambiance of Madrid and less on logistics or details that make your head spin.

Why Coliving Makes it Easier to Make Friends in Madrid

Let’s face it: meeting people in a new city isn’t always smooth sailing. But coliving naturally breaks down barriers. You’re living with people who are likely in the same boat as you: new to Madrid, eager to explore, and open to meeting others.

There are several ways that coliving makes building friendships a whole lot easier:

Built-in Social Circle: Your housemates often become your first friends. It doesn’t matter if you’re cooking dinner together, watching a movie, or chatting over morning coffee; you’ll form bonds a lot more effortlessly due to the fact that you’re all hanging out under the same roof.
Community Events: Cohabs hosts events like shared dinners, brunches, sports activities, ice breakers, and sometimes weekend excursions. These gatherings are perfect ice-breakers and help you meet others living in the building or nearby.

Shared Goals: Many residents in coliving spaces are international students, professionals, or creatives. That common ground makes connecting with others more natural and less awkward.
Common Spaces to Spark Interaction: Spacious lounges, coworking areas, and terraces provide casual spaces to strike up conversations that can lead to lasting friendships. Don’t be shy!

How to Make Friends for Life in Madrid

Coliving gives you an immediate social foundation, but forming genuine friendships still takes a bit of initiative. Fortunately, Madrid’s vibrant international scene and lively social culture make it one of the easiest cities in Europe to meet new people. Let’s take a look at some practical, city-specific tips to help you connect once you’ve moved into your new Cohabs room.

Join Events Whenever You Can

Cohabs regularly host communal dinners, rooftop barbecues, sports events, and even workshops. Say yes early and often, especially if you’re brand-new in town. Some homes use WhatsApp or Slack groups to coordinate, but Cohabs has its own dedicated app where you can join events and check details about your stay.

So be sure to join and stay active. Early engagement sets the tone and helps you integrate more quickly.

Be Curious About Your Housemates

Your housemates may be from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, and each will have their own story. If they’ve been in Madrid for a little bit, you can ask about their favorite neighborhoods, weekend plans, or hidden local spots. This not only sparks conversation but can lead to great recommendations like a tapas bar in Malasaña or a secret sunset spot near Templo de Debod.

To read everything there is about how to rent a room in Madrid, check out our Ultimate Guide to Student Housing in Madrid.

Explore the Magic of Madrid Together

Invite a roommate out for a casual coffee in Lavapiés or a stroll through El Rastro, Madrid’s famous flea market. Smaller hangouts help you connect more personally. From there, you can scale up to group hikes in the Sierra de Guadarrama or nights out in La Latina.

Use Shared Activities to Your Advantage

Plan a tapas tasting night at home, organize a “Mercado Crawl” through markets like Mercado de San Miguel or Antón Martín, or watch Real Madrid play with housemates at a local sports bar. Shared, low-pressure activities make it much easier to get to know new friends and bond.

Coliving for Digital Nomads

If you’re working remotely, Madrid is an absolutely unbeatable base. And, coliving is a surefire way to blend productivity and social life.

Cohabs’ homes offer fast Wi-Fi, quiet areas for remote work, and plenty of events to meet fellow digital nomads or for networking. You’ll find yourself living with people who understand the balance between focused work and fun. And when your workday ends, your social life is there when you want it, whether it’s joining a few friends for dinner or heading out to explore the enchanting city of Madrid.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Place to Live

Coliving in Madrid is about so much more than finding a roof over your head. It’s about becoming part of a community from day one, forming friendships, and experiencing the city together. Whether you’re new in town or looking for a fresh way to live, coliving helps you feel at home—and never alone.