Our shared flat – a place of encounters

 

In the meantime, our shared flat has been existing for more than one year. We - that means Maiko, Ehsan and I, Frederik.

A number of reasons have brought us together: Apart from financial constraints, there was the search for a new accommodation and flatmates. Furthermore, there was a desire for more community as well as for a small social contribution in a critical time. These reasons played different roles for each of us. However, the community spirit is finally the factor on which our flat is based and which makes it so vivid.

The trust in each other emerged quickly. Living together works relatively smoothly, regardless of our different origins, socialisations, education and religious influences. The language barrier was not a big obstacle from the beginning and it is becoming easier every day. Of course, there are also bumps in the road, but this is less a matter of any of the above-mentioned characteristics. Everyone in our flat has their own personal traits and quirks, just like the people in every other flat as well. In general, putting the focus on similarities rather than differences serves as starting point of our 'interaxion'.

Friendships have developed over time. Common activities include: cooking, organising the household, helping each other with minor everyday issues or cycling. Sometimes friends and family drop by for a visit. Occasionally, we also organise day trips with some more people, such as a hiking tour or a canoeing ride in the surroundings in past months. Temporarily, other people lived with us as well. This created even more encounters and ties. There are so many things to share. It also enlarges and strengthens circles of friends.

My flatmates have both fled from their home countries 1½ and 4 years ago respectively. Each of them have left a lot behind. Here they have studied German, attended school and are now both doing apprenticeships. Apart from that, they are living in a nice shared flat.


About the author
WG aus Treptow-Köpenick
WG aus Treptow-Köpenick

Frederik, Maiko und Ehsan kommen aus Deutschland, Eritrea und Iran. Sie wohnen zusammen in einer WG in Treptow-Köpenick. Die drei schreiben abwechselnd für RawafedZusammenfluss aus ihrem WG-Leben und berichten von persönlichen Erfahrungen und Eindrücken.

Frederik, Maiko and Ehsan come from Germany, Eritrea and Iran. They live together in a shared flat in Treptow-Köpenick. The three write in turns for RawafedZusammenfluss from their shared life and report on personal experiences and impressions.

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