Joo Kodit Oulu stories: where love — and a home — were found in the very same stairwell

Oona-Olivia and Melvin were neighbours — until they fell in love and decided to move in together.

It all started with a mutual friend. Then came chats on Snapchat and a first date at a basketball court. That’s how Melvin, a construction management student from Oulu, and Oona-Olivia, a nursing student, got to know each other.

– I almost didn’t go at all because I was so nervous, Oona-Olivia admits when thinking back to their first meeting.

But she did go — and that’s where their story began. Things became even more interesting when they realised they lived in the same building. Suddenly, bumping into each other in the stairwell took on a whole new meaning, Melvin says.

– Yeah, it was really cool. It just felt so easy when it was so effortless to see each other.

Soon they found themselves spending most of their time together, usually at Melvin’s apartment.

– It was so easy for Oona to just come upstairs. I lived on the third floor and Oona on the first. We hung out at my place a lot.

– Then I came up with the idea – since we were already spending so much time together and enjoying it so much, wouldn’t it be even better to share a home? Melvin continues.

A dishwasher was a must-have in their future home.

The search for the perfect rental home

After four months of dating, they started looking for a place of their own. Their wish list included a nice neighbourhood, enough space, and interior finishes that suited their style. One thing was non-negotiable: the kitchen had to have a dishwasher.

They visited several apartments, but many were ruled out due to details like dark flooring or an unappealing bathroom.

– Then we found a Joo Kodit apartment that was exactly what we were looking for. We knew right away – this is the one. No need to think twice, Oona-Olivia says.

– I had already lived in three Joo Kodit homes before, so I was used to a certain feeling of what ‘home’ should feel like, Melvin adds.

Renting the apartment felt easy, thanks in part to the online services they both praise. In fact, Oona-Olivia rented her very first home from Joo Kodit.

– It’s just so easy when you can reserve a Joo Kodit home online. Their website is really clear compared to others.

Melvin says that all the Joo Kodit homes he has lived in have been high-quality and in top condition.

Living together — when nothing changes, yet everything does

Melvin and Oona-Olivia describe their home in Oulu’s Karjasilta as bright, peaceful, and safe. One of the best features is the separate bedroom and living areas – something they didn’t have before in a studio apartment. They also appreciate the shared facilities in the building, as well as the convenience of nearby shops and bus stops.

– It’s a really practical place to live. A great neighbourhood and such a calm area, Melvin says.

Moving in together didn’t change much in one sense, since they had already spent most of their free time together. Still, having a shared home feels special for both of them.

– It felt like we’ve really found our element now. Everything is truly shared, and that’s something we’ve wanted from the beginning, Melvin says.

– And I love that if I’ve been out somewhere, when I come home in the evening, you’re here, Oona-Olivia adds.

Moving in together made it possible for them to have a larger home.

Looking for a rental home for you and your partner?

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