A woman who ditched her tiny rental is now sharing a flat with hundreds of housemates – and says it’s the ultimate money-saving hack.
Aurora Bianco had spent years crammed into a small space in a family house in East London, dreaming of more space and independence.
Sky-high rents meant getting her own flat felt impossible.
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That is, until the 32-year-old discovered co-living while Googling “flats with receptions”.
She realised it might be safer and more practical than moving alone – even if it meant sharing a building with 200 other residents.
“I was worried it was going to be like student accommodation,” Aurora, who is originally from Milan, Italy, told What’s The Jam.
“Some of our loved ones worried the space might be a bit small.
“But there’s so much shared space compared to a traditional flat.
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“I was paying £670 a month before for a small room, including bills.
“Now we [my boyfriend and I] pay £919 each and get all the perks.”
Aurora moved into The Palm House, a Folk Co Living building in Harrow, in October 2024.
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A few months later, her boyfriend, Sogie Ojiesobi, 29, joined her.
Co-living is a housing model where residents have a private studio or bedroom but share facilities such as kitchens, gyms and workspaces.
All bills are included, and buildings often offer events and social areas.
Together they pay £1,839 a month for a private studio – which includes council tax, utilities, gym, co-working space, a cinema room, a large “MasterChef-style kitchen” and social events.
A comparable studio elsewhere, with bills and extras added in, could reach around £2,350 – meaning the couple save around £500 a month while still enjoying privacy.
She said, “The solution works really well for us.
“We’re literally saving hundreds every month.
“It’s insane how much money you can keep when all the extras are included.
“I can’t believe I used to pay almost £700 for a tiny room.
“Now we get a full studio plus all these facilities and still save money.
“It’s amazing having access to everything without paying extra.
“We can hit the gym, cook in the big kitchen, even book the cinema room for date nights – all included in the rent.
“I never thought I’d live with hundreds of housemates and actually enjoy it, but it works.
“You get your privacy, and you can still be part of a community.
“Honestly, I don’t know why more people don’t do this.
“We’re saving a fortune every month compared to a normal London flat, and it doesn’t feel like we’re missing out. It’s kind of the best of both worlds.”
Despite living in a building with hundreds of residents, Aurora says she hasn’t had a single problem with her neighbours.
She added, “It’s surprisingly easy to get along with everyone.
“You can grab a coffee in the kitchen and have a chat if you want, or just keep to yourself – it works either way.
“I love that I still have the community feel from my old shared flats, but I’ve got way more privacy now.
“You can be an introvert here and never talk to anyone, or be social and join events. It’s completely up to you – no awkward situations, no drama.”
