Malin has furnished with socializing in mind

Since November 2015 Malin, 22 years old and a native of Gothenburg, has lived in a one room apartment next to Kapellplatsen in her hometown. She is studying at the University of Gothenburg to eventually become a social worker.

The apartment is 28 square meters and is situated in the Chabo area directly adjacent to Chalmers. The room is neat and tidy and decorated in peaceful colours. Malin tells us that it is important for her to feel good in her home and she likes having nice things around her. Despite the limited space Malin has created a cosy home which contains everything she needs. There is a bed, a couch and a dresser which doubles up as a TV stand. In the corner is a desk full of books and note books but there is no dining table in sight.

– I decided against it, says Malin. There would have been space but it felt more important to keep the room airy and light and have space for a large couch where I can hang out with friends
Malin’s intention was to decorate the apartment so that it feels welcoming and ideal for socializing. At the same time she didn’t want to over furnish or add too many things as she wanted the room to have a spacious feel.

– With a relatively small apartment it is extra important to retain some free space, otherwise it would probably have felt cramped.
Malin is grateful that the floor plan somewhat separates the kitchenette from the room. This makes it less obvious that the apartment only consists of one room as it creates spheres in the apartment with separate areas for studies, sleep, socializing and cooking.

– It’s nice not to feel that I am cooking whilst standing on the bed, she says.

As a sociology student Malin studies at the University of Gothenburg and according to her it is sometimes obvious how close Chalmers is to her apartment.
– During certain periods it is very obvious, such as when construction for the Cortege was underway, there were many students who were active around the building. It has never bothered or irritated me in any way as I think it’s great to have so many people in the area.
Malin further explains that she has experienced a respectful and forgiving atmosphere among the tenants, where nobody complains about music being played and no garbage or empty cans are ever left in the corridors.

The best thing about Chabo is the location, says Malin. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants close by which are open even late in the evenings. Connections to the rest of Gothenburg are excellent. You can walk almost everywhere for instance to school and the centre of Gothenburg and you don’t need to rely on public transport for the most part. One of Malin’s favourite places to walk to is the Botanical Gardens.
– It’s great to see so many trees. I grew up close to a forest and I like to get away from the inner-city feeling sometimes, she says.
Malin’s best tip in the local area is Willis grocery store at Grönsakstorget, just two stops away. Willys’ prices are good and it is easy to get back home with heavy bags.
– I think nearly everyone at Chabo shops there as the stores around Kapellplatsen are very expensive!

Writer and photographer: Amalia Högdahl