The hassle-free solution for Europe's international residents!

 

Few things are more exciting than a new life abroad. But you probably also realize how many practical challenges you will face, if you are worldly enough to take the leap. مواضيع نقاش

Housing is one of the biggest headaches for international residents in many European cities. According to a study, half of all property rentals in Paris are illegal, while many German cities have seen "rental insanity" marches.

It's not what newcomers want to hear. But how about moving to a large apartment, fully equipped, cleaned and flexible to suit your living?

All this can be achieved with LifeX, if you need a place in Copenhagen, Vienna, Paris, Berlin, Munich or London. Residents say the apartments are great ways to make new friends with a diverse range of international professionals.

Hassle-free housing: see what you get when you move into Life X

Clean, stylish and always comfortable

"Everyone today knows that time is the only thing you can't buy from," Paul Sephton, a South African 30-year-old who lives in Copenhagen's LifeX apartment, said. "LifeX is a plug-and-play model to move to a new city and feel like you have been living in the city for years."

He describes the "phenomenal" services he receives. Besides a furnished room, pillows, sheets and a weekly cleaning are available. You can expect mixers and modern appliances as well as basics like pots and cups when you enjoy cooking.

"Things like cleaning save you time every day to concentrate on what you want to do," says Paul.

In June 2019, Ivana Jelic, 32, from Serbia, moved to Munich in Paris, where she works in venture capital. "If you come as a foreigner, it's complicated and it's a nightmare to find a flat," she says. She moved to a LifeX apartment four months ago after moving into a private rental alone.

She says, "I just came in with a suitcase." "It's been so easy. The pillows, a couch, towels were in place, the entire kitchen was equipped – you even had coffee. You have modern furnishings and it's clean and light. It is like a serviced apartment with all but much more personalized facilities."

It also commends the administrative approach, including the signing of digital contracts. "The whole paper is taken off the picture," she says.

Pictures: LifeX.

Your very own finding friend

In a typical LifeX apartment, four to eight people live. This means an average of 40-50 m2 per person – far from a clamped studio apartment. However, having plenty of personal space does not mean that you are not short of potential friends.

Paul shares his apartment with six people from six countries in the green Østerbro District: Brazil, Finland, France, India, Iran and Zimbabwe. While their roots are diverse, Paul says that they all have a similar view about coexistence, which he "enhances."

"You are communicating with people who are far from home and want to meet and engage with others," he says.

He adds that social events facilitated by the company encourage "organic" links, whether it's an introvert or an extrovert.

"I have colleagues who pay big expat subscriptions with buffet table brunches," said Paul, a communications manager for the brand. "While you try to walk away with friends, this is very forced social facilitation."

Ivana is sharing her apartment with two flat-mates from Switzerland and Lithuania in Haidhausen, a trendy Munich district on the Isar River. "I was nine months in Munich before I came to this apartment. I didn't like it really and I didn't know if I wanted to stay," she says. "My job, which I like, together with this flat, have actually been my flatmates and the neighborhood in favor of staying."

Some of the five people who live in LifeX are locals – so you might even find a friend who can show you around your new city.

Community and comfort: now see all available LifeX apartments

A home out of your home

Many international residents are worried that leasing contracts are not flexible. You may be asked to undertake a long minimum period – or worry that if you don't have anything to go the landlord can force you out.

LifeX means you have a minimum stay of three months in most cities, and you can stay as long as you want. For over two years, Paul, who has been in his apartment, says that the experience has helped him build a large network that will make him feel at home in Copenhagen.

"There are many familiar faces," he said. "You really don't feel like you're in a new city alone."

The house's size and inclusive atmosphere also helped him avoid the 'strong sense of isolation,' experienced by friends living alone because of restrictions on coronaviruses.

Video: LifeX talk to Ivana Jelic and Paul Sephton

Ivana, who moved to her apartment at the height of the pandemic, says she planned to remain alone for only a few months.

"I moved in during a very difficult period with LifeX, but it was the biggest help to lift me up," she said. "There began to be another Munich. I don't have to go and live on my own anymore."