On paper, coworking spaces all look alike: a desk, internet, coffee, “community”. In practice, the difference between a space you look forward to and one you abandon after two months is enormous. Before you sign up for a membership, answer these ten questions – and always test each space in person first. If you are still new to the concept, start by reading what a coworking space actually is.
1. Is the location sustainable every single day?
A space that takes 40 minutes to reach will lose out to your kitchen table – not in the first week, but almost certainly by the third month. Check the commute at your usual arrival time, parking or cycling access, and the surroundings: a shop, lunch options, a park for a break.
2. What is the access really like – limited hours or genuine?
“Flexible access” often means a workday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you work evenings, weekends, or for clients in other time zones, you need 24/7 access with your own key or card – no requests and no surcharges.
3. What is actually included in the price?
Compare final monthly totals, not starting prices. Ask: are the meeting room, printing, coffee and bookings included, or charged separately? Is the price inclusive of VAT? What is the notice period? A coworking space with a “cheap” membership and an add-on fee for every little thing often ends up more expensive.
4. What is the acoustic culture of the space?
The biggest difference between spaces is not the furniture, but the noise. Are there rules for phone calls? Is there a phone booth or a meeting room for calls? Visit mid-morning, not on an empty afternoon – that is when you hear the truth.
5. Who are the people inside?
Community is not a marketing phrase but the concrete people at the neighbouring desks. Freelancers, developers, designers, entrepreneurs? Do they complement your field? A good test: did anyone greet you during the tour, and can the manager tell you who works there?
6. A dedicated desk or a flexible spot?
A dedicated desk means your own monitor, your own chair and the feeling of an office; a flexible spot is cheaper and enough if you come a few times a week. Check whether you can switch between packages – your needs change as your business grows.
7. What is the workstation equipment like?
Fast internet is only a given once you test it – run a speed test and ask about a backup connection. Check the chairs (sitting for eight hours is no joke), the monitors, the lighting and the ventilation. The details you overlook during a tour will annoy you most a month later.
8. Can you host a client here?
A meeting with a client in a chaotic space without a meeting room is a poor business card. Check how the meeting room is booked, how many hours are included, and whether you can receive post at the address or register your business seat there.
9. What actually happens in the space?
Events, workshops and informal gatherings are the difference between an office and a community. Ask what was organised last month – a concrete answer says more than promises on a website.
10. Is there a trial day?
No website can replace a single working day in the space. A serious coworking space offers you a trial day without hesitation – and that day tells you whether you have found your place.
Dedicated or flexible workstation: a quick comparison
| Criterion | Flexible spot | Dedicated desk |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | A few days a week | Daily work |
| Own equipment | No (pack up daily) | Yes (monitor, chair stay) |
| Sense of “your own office” | Smaller | Greater |
| Flexibility | High | Lower |
Try it for yourself
At makerSP_CE on Pivovarniška 6 in Ljubljana, the answer to most of the questions above is simple: 24/7 access with your own keys, free parking, a meeting room and call room included in the membership, and Tivoli Park a minute away. A trial day costs €20, and packages on the price list start at €135 incl. VAT per month. If you are weighing home versus a shared space, the comparison of working from home and coworking will help, while an overview of everything included is on the makerSP_CE benefits page.
Frequently asked questions
How much should coworking cost?
In Ljubljana, monthly memberships for a flexible spot typically start at just over €100, with dedicated desks costing more. More important than the starting price is the final amount including everything you truly need – the meeting room, printing, access.
Is coworking worth it if I only work a few days a week?
Yes – that is exactly what flexible packages and day passes are for. Even two structured days a week away from home noticeably boost focus and the boundary between work and free time.
What should I watch for in the contract?
The notice period (a month is fair), any lock-in, what happens to the price on renewal, and what is included. Serious spaces do not hide these things in the fine print.
Conclusion
You choose a coworking space like flatmates: the location and price must be sustainable, and the people and culture of the space must be right. Make your list of non-negotiables, visit two or three spaces during working hours, and take a trial day everywhere. A space you will happily return to shows it on day one.
Related reading
- How to find the best coworking space in Ljubljana
- How much does coworking cost
- What is a coworking space?
Book your spot at makerSP_CE
Coworking makerSP_CE, Pivovarniška ulica 6, Ljubljana (next to Tivoli Park). Fixed price, no notice period, 24/7 access and free parking. Web: makerspace.si | Email: rezervacije@makerspace.si | Phone: +386 30 393 405.