Navigating Personal Space: Guide to Peaceful Co-living

Ready to master the art of navigating personal space and creating a harmonious shared living oasis? Let’s dive into the key principles that unlock peaceful coexistence and help you find your balance.

1. Claim your corner, make it yours

Personal space isn’t just about a physical area; it’s also about creating a mental retreat. Establish zones where you can unwind and recharge, transforming your shared home into a personal haven.

2. Open Communication, Respectful Boundaries

Meaningful conversations lay the foundation for cohabitation bliss. Chat about expectations related to privacy, noise, and shared spaces—keeping those lines of communication open prevents misunderstandings.

3. Balancing 'Me Time' and 'We Time'

Life’s about harmony, right? Schedule moments for solitude and reflection, but also remember to come together for movie nights, game sessions, or heartfelt chats.

4. Chores: Everyone's Responsibility

Embrace the reality of shared chores. Design a chore rotation that ensures everyone’s pitching in—a tidy space fosters calm vibes for all.

5. Respecting the Decibel Dance

Silence isn’t always golden, but quiet hours are. Keep an ear out for noise levels, especially during the quieter hours—your sleep-loving roomies will truly appreciate it.

6. Tech Harmony: Finding the Right Balance

Screens can connect or disconnect. Set boundaries on screen time and establish tech-free zones for genuine face-to-face connections.

7. Personal Touch, Collective Respect

Adding your personal flair is awesome, just remember the shared vibe. Decorate your space to reflect you, but ensure shared areas maintain a harmonious feel.

8. Shared Adventures, Solo Journeys

Remember, it’s all about striking a balance and fostering mutual respect. Navigating personal space isn’t about building walls; it’s about creating boundaries that encourage understanding. Here’s to crafting Roomio into the ultimate shared haven!


group of friend camping in top of the mountain in sunset

The Art of Frugal Fun: Entertainment Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Living in a shared flat has many benefits, such as saving money, making friends, and having fun. But sometimes, you may run out of ideas on what to do with your flatmates. Here are some entertainment ideas for flatmate fun that won’t break the bank.

Culinary Adventures with Roomies

Alright, foodies, assemble! It’s time to put those culinary skills to the test. Cooking together is a great way to bond with your flatmates and enjoy a delicious meal. Plan a cooking night where each of you showcases a dish from your hometown. Not only do your taste buds get a world tour, but you also get to share the epic stories behind your favorite recipes. You can also make it more fun by having a theme night, such as Mexican night, Italian night, or Asian night. You can split the cost of groceries and share the chores of preparing and cleaning up.

Thao, our co-founder (second to the left) was prepping spring rolls with his friends.

Cozy Movie Night

Watching together is another great way to have fun with your flatmates and enjoy some quality time. You can watch movies or shows that you all like, or try something new that none of you have seen before. You can also make it more fun by having a movie night, a binge-watching marathon, or a trivia night. Even better, Roomio offers free Netlifx account. So, microwave some popcorn (extra butter, please), and let the fun begin.

DIY Game Night Extravaganza

Playing together is not only fun but also good for your relationship with your flatmates. Bust out those board games, card decks, or whip up some homemade trivia. Get ready for laughter, playful rivalries, and moments that will be retold in Roomio history. Pro tip: The one who loses is in charge of snacks for the next game night. Game on.

Outdoor exploration

Nature’s calling, and so is your hunger for outdoor fun. Pack a simple picnic—sandwiches, snacks, and good company. Head to a nearby park for a chill picnic party. It’s a recipe for relaxation, good food, and maybe even some bird-watching on the side. If you feeling like getting out town, plan a mini adventure—a hike or a leisurely stroll in nature’s embrace. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and fresh air, all without spending a dime. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity for a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery. Here is some destination you may want to check out.

Local Art and Cultural Events

Want a taste of culture without a hefty price tag? Check out local art exhibitions, theater performances, or cultural events. Immerse yourselves in the city’s creative scene without putting a dent in your wallet. Here are some of the some local museums in Ho Chi Minh that you may find interesting.

Volunteer together

People volunteers planting trees in green park together

Volunteering together is a meaningful and rewarding way to have fun with your friends and make a difference in the world. You can help others in need, such as children, animals, or the environment. You can also learn new skills, meet new people, or gain new experiences. You can find some of the non-profit organizations in this link.

Host a party together

Hosting a party together is a festive and exciting way to have fun with your friends and celebrate life. You can host a party for any occasion, such as birthdays, holidays, or welcoming a new team member in your flat. You can also make it more fun by having a theme party, such as costume party, karaoke party, or game night party. You can split the cost of food and drinks and share the tasks of decorating and cleaning up.

Whether you want to relax, learn, create, or explore, you can find something that suits your taste and budget. And remember, the most important thing is not how much money you spend, but how much joy you share. So, go ahead and try some of these entertainment ideas and let us know how it goes. Have fun!


Ho Chi Minh city skyline

How to Find a Shared Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City: A Guide for Expats and Locals

If you want to experience the vibrant and diverse life of Vietnam’s biggest city, Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) is the place to be. It offers a rich mix of culture, commerce, and entertainment that draws millions of visitors and expats every year. Living in a shared apartment is a great option if you are planning to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for work, study, or leisure. A shared apartment is a type of accommodation where you rent a room in an apartment with other tenants, usually strangers or acquaintances. You share the common areas, such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, and split the cost of rent and utilities. A shared apartment can offer many benefits, such as

  • Saving money: Renting a shared apartment is usually cheaper than renting a whole apartment or a hotel room. You can also save on bills, groceries, and other expenses by sharing them with your roommates.
  • Making friends: Living in a shared apartment can help you meet new people and make friends with your roommates. You can also learn from their experiences, cultures, and perspectives.
  • Enjoying convenience: Finding a shared apartment can be easier and faster than finding a whole apartment or a house. You can also enjoy the convenience of having amenities and facilities nearby, such as shops, restaurants, bars, and public transport.
Precia double bedroom with city view

However, finding a shared apartment in Ho Chi Minh City can also be challenging, especially if you are new to the city or the country. You may face some difficulties below:

  • Finding a suitable location: Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. You may want to find a shared apartment that is close to your workplace, school, or other places of interest, but also within your budget and preferences.
  • Finding a reliable platform: There are many platforms and websites that offer shared apartments in Ho Chi Minh City, but not all of them are trustworthy or updated. You may encounter scams, frauds, or outdated listings that can waste your time and money.
  • Finding compatible roommates: Living in a shared apartment requires compatibility and cooperation with your roommates. You may want to find roommates who share your lifestyle, habits, interests, or values, but also respect your privacy, boundaries, and differences.

To help you overcome these challenges and find a shared apartment in Ho Chi Minh City that suits your needs and expectations, here are some tips and advice that you can follow:

Do your research

Before you start looking for a shared apartment in Ho Chi Minh City, you should do some research on the city and its districts. You should learn about the cost of living, the quality of life, the culture, the climate, and the safety of each area. You should also consider your own criteria, such as your budget, your preferences, your priorities, and your goals. You can use online resources, such as blogs, forums, guides, or reviews to get some information and insights from other expats or locals who have lived or are living in Ho Chi Minh City.

Once you have an idea of where and what you are looking for, you should use reputable platforms to find available shared apartments in Ho Chi Minh City. You should avoid platforms that are not verified, that have no reviews, or that ask for upfront payments or personal information. You should also compare different platforms and listings to find the best deals and options. Some of the most popular and reliable platforms that offer shared apartments in Ho Chi Minh City are:

  • Expat.com: This is a website that provides information and services for expats around the world. It has a section dedicated to housing in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can find shared apartments, houses, apartments, or rooms for rent. You can filter your search by price, location, size, or amenities. You can also contact the owners or agents directly through the website.
  • Nestpick: This is a website that aggregates furnished rentals from various platforms and websites. It has a section for rooms for rent in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can find shared apartments, studios, or apartments for rent. You can filter your search by price, location, size, or amenities. You can also book online through the website.

Communicate with the owners or agents

Use reputable platforms

After you have found some potential shared apartments in Ho Chi Minh City that match your criteria, you should communicate with the owners or agents to get more details and arrange a viewing. You should ask questions such as:

  • How long is the lease term?
  • How much is the rent and what does it include?
  • How much is the deposit and how is it refunded?
  • What are the rules and regulations of the apartment?
  • Who are the other roommates and what are their backgrounds?
  • What are the facilities and amenities of the apartment and the building?
  • What are the nearby attractions and services?

You should also be prepared to answer questions from the owners or agents, which include:

  • What is your purpose of living in Ho Chi Minh City?
  • How long do you plan to stay in the shared apartment?
  • What is your occupation and income?
  • What are your hobbies and interests?
  • What are your expectations and preferences for living in a shared apartment?

You should communicate clearly, politely, and honestly with the owners or agents, and avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts. You should also confirm the availability, price, and conditions of the shared apartment before making any commitments or payments.

Visit the shared apartment in person

Before you sign any contract or pay any deposit, you should visit the shared apartment in person to check its condition, location, and suitability. You should also meet the other roommates and see if you get along with them. Here are something you should pay attention to:

  • The cleanliness, maintenance, and security of the apartment and the building
  • The size, layout, furniture, and equipment of the room and the common areas
  • The noise, light, ventilation, and temperature of the room and the apartment
  • The accessibility, convenience, and safety of the neighborhood
  • The compatibility, friendliness, and respectfulness of the roommates

It is important to take photos or videos of the shared apartment as proof of its condition before you move in. You should also request a written contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the rent, for example:

  • The name and contact details of the owner or agent
  • The address and description of the shared apartment
  • The duration and renewal of the lease
  • The amount and frequency of the rent and the deposit
  • The inclusion and exclusion of utilities and services
  • The rules and responsibilities of the tenants
  • The procedures and penalties for termination or breach of contract

Read the contract carefully and make sure you understand everything before you sign it. You should also keep a copy of the contract for your reference.

Enjoy your shared apartment in Ho Chi Minh City

Finding a shared apartment in Ho Chi Minh City can be a rewarding experience that can enhance your life in many ways. However, it can also be a challenging process that requires research, communication, and preparation. By following these tips and advice, you may find one that suits your needs and expectations. And remember, you can always use Roomio to find your perfect second home.