It's been a couple of weeks since I arrived at Goodenough College in London, and the experience has been nothing short of transformative. As I settled into this new chapter, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between Goodenough College and EdZola Homes, our residential community for EdZola employees. In many ways, Goodenough College has succeeded in creating a welcoming environment that fosters a strong sense of community—a few things EdZola Homes can definitely learn from.
A Seamless Onboarding Process
The first thing that struck me upon arriving at Goodenough College was how organized everything was. From the moment I walked in, I received my room key, directions to all essential amenities like restrooms, drinking water, and common areas, and a detailed email outlining every aspect of life here. It was such a relief to have all that clarity upfront.
At EdZola Homes, we’ve never really formalized an orientation or induction process. For new residents, it’s almost assumed that they’ll figure things out as they go, which can lead to confusion. Goodenough College’s structured approach highlighted the importance of providing clarity of space and ownership from the beginning. This is an area we need to work on to make EdZola Homes more welcoming and less chaotic.
Community Values and Living Together
What sets Goodenough College apart isn’t just its facilities, but the strong sense of community values. It’s not just a place to sleep—it’s a place where we live together with mutual respect. Here, we have a policy of quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., which means no loud noise during that time. If you want to play loud music or gather with friends, you’re encouraged to use one of the common rooms.
This mindfulness of others is something we can definitely adapt at EdZola Homes. Currently, there's no such policy in place, and I’ve heard complaints about noise levels. Instituting a similar practice could foster a deeper sense of respect and consideration among the residents.
Eating and Bonding Together
One of the most enjoyable aspects of life at Goodenough College has been the communal meals and events. Over the first week, there were several orientation events where residents gathered to eat and get to know one another. It created a warm, social atmosphere that made it easier to connect with others.
At EdZola Homes, we could benefit from organizing more communal activities like this. Whether it's dining together, exploring local eateries, or simply spending time with colleagues outside the workspace, such events would help nurture stronger bonds and a sense of belonging.
Clubs and Societies for Growth
Another impressive feature of Goodenough College is the range of clubs and societies available. From reading clubs to hiking groups, dance clubs, and more—these are all member-driven, and the college provides funding for them. It’s a fantastic way for individuals to pursue their interests and grow as part of the community.
In EdZola Homes, where many young professionals live, we can encourage this kind of initiative. Whether it’s forming clubs around shared hobbies or professional interests, it would be a great way for residents to take ownership of their experience and grow both personally and as leaders. Offering a small budget for these activities could also motivate residents to create meaningful events or projects that benefit the community.
Responsibility for Cleanliness
One thing I found very interesting at Goodenough College is the emphasis on personal responsibility for cleanliness. While common areas are cleaned regularly, the responsibility of maintaining one’s room and surroundings lies with the individual. It’s a simple yet effective way to cultivate ownership and pride in your living space.
At EdZola Homes, we could implement a similar system where individuals are held accountable for their own spaces while ensuring common areas remain well-maintained.
The Question of Sustainability: Should EdZola Homes Charge a Fee?
One key difference between Goodenough College and EdZola Homes is the financial model. Goodenough College charges a fee for staying here, and those funds go directly into maintaining and improving the facilities. In contrast, EdZola Homes is currently free of charge, funded entirely by EdZola Technologies. While this has worked so far, it does limit what we can offer in terms of facilities and activities.
This raises an important question: should EdZola Homes introduce a small fee or donation system? If we could collect a modest fee from residents, we could use those funds to improve the living experience—whether by adding new facilities, organizing more events, or simply maintaining the spaces better. It’s something worth considering as we think about how to make EdZola Homes sustainable in the long run.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on my experience at Goodenough College, it’s clear that there’s a lot we can learn for EdZola Homes. From better onboarding and community engagement to fostering personal responsibility and exploring new funding models, there’s plenty of room for growth. EdZola Homes has the potential to be more than just a place to stay—it can be a thriving community where people feel at home and supported.
This is just the beginning of my thoughts on how we can bring more structure and vibrancy to EdZola Homes, and I look forward to seeing how these ideas evolve over time.
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