What Makes a Good Coworking Space In Aberdeen? A Guide For Local Freelancers

While working from home has its advantages it’s not for everyone, and many freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote workers reach the point where they crave the incentive to put on a pair of shoes and leave the house every morning.

The good news is, the traditional 9-to-5 office is no longer the only alternative. This is where the coworking space comes in. No longer a niche concept for tech startups, coworking has evolved into a global phenomenon, with a wide array of options available in most cities. Aberdeen has been slower than some to adopt coworking culture, and the choice is still relatively limited, not helped by the city centre’s well publicised accessibility issues.

But when you first start thinking about using a coworking space, how do you find the one that's right for you? Choosing a coworking space isn’t just about renting a desk; it's about finding a community that supports your work, a culture that aligns with your values, a location that makes it easy to reach and a physical environment that enhances your productivity.

To help you find the right space for you, there are a few key questions you should be asking before you come to any conclusion.

Flexibility

The first step is to understand your own working patterns. Your ideal space should offer a membership plan that aligns with how often you plan to use it.

Pricing Models: Does the space offer a range of options, from a simple day pass to a full-time dedicated desk? Look for part-time memberships giving you a maximum number of days per month if you still plan to spend some time working from home. Some spaces even offer access to a communal lounge or cafe area without a dedicated desk, which can be perfect for light-duty work or informal meetings. Donside Co-working has flexible pricing including the ability to book a desk by the day or month, a meeting room by the half day and a small office by the day.

Operating Hours: Do you need 24/7 access? Many spaces offer around-the-clock entry, which is essential for night owls, early birds, or those who collaborate with teams in different time zones. Be sure to check if 24-hour access is included in the standard price or an add-on.

Travel and Time Off: What happens if you need to travel or when you are on holiday? If that is important, look for spaces that offer a flexible pause option or where you can purchase a bundle of day passes to use as needed. This flexibility is a huge benefit for freelancers or remote workers who might have unpredictable plans or regular business trips.

Location Access: If a coworking company has multiple locations, does your membership allow you to use other sites? This can be invaluable if you travel frequently or need to meet clients in other cities.

Desks & Equipment

The type of workspace and the surrounding environment can have a big impact on your focus and productivity.

Hot-Desking vs. Dedicated Desks: Hot-desking is a flexible, lower-cost option where you grab any available desk upon arrival. It's great for networking and a change of scenery. However, a dedicated desk offers a personal space you can customise, giving you a more predictable work day and a sense of routine. It also often comes with a lockable locker or storage space, which is a major plus for those who need to leave monitors, documents, or personal items overnight.

Ergonomics: Don't underestimate the importance of a good chair. Sit in a few of them during your tour. Do they offer adjustable height and lumbar support? Some high-end spaces even provide options for standing desks or multiple monitor setups.

At Donside Co-working the desks are adjustable so that you can sit or stand at the height that suits you best. There are also two monitors on each desk for maximum productivity.

Noise Levels and Focus Zones: Does the space consist of one large, open room, or are there designated quiet zones areas for work that needs concentration? Are there separate booths for video and phone calls? Consider your own working style. If you need absolute silence to focus, a bustling, collaborative space with constant chatter might not be for you and if you are regularly on calls with clients or team members you don’t want to be disturbing your coworkers by talking in the open plan space.

We have multiple work areas as well as our desks, including quiet booths, relaxed sofas and a range of meeting rooms.

Facilities

A good coworking space should provide all the professional infrastructure you need to run your business smoothly.

Meeting Rooms: This is a non-negotiable for most users. Find out if meeting room use is included in your membership or if it's an extra cost. How do you book them? Is there a simple online system, or do you have to ask a staff member? Check the size and technology available, such as large screens for presentations, whiteboards, and reliable video conferencing equipment.

Our meeting areas at Donside Co-working include a large boardroom, an open plan meeting table and two small meeting rooms.

Reception and Guest Services: A staffed reception area adds a level of professionalism that you can't get at home. Your clients and guests will be greeted by a friendly face, creating a favourable first impression. Ask if the reception staff can also handle mail and packages for you.

Internet and IT Support: This is probably the most critical feature. The Wi-Fi needs to be fast, reliable, and secure. Ask about the internet speed and how many people share the bandwidth. Is there a backup connection in case of an outage? And what about IT support? Is someone on hand to help if you have a connection issue?

Printing and Scanning: Another plus is a good quality printer, preferably wireless so that you can print out documents quickly and easily. Ask if there's a monthly allowance included in your price and what the cost is for printing beyond that limit.

Food and Drink

The kitchen and communal areas are often the heart of a coworking space, fostering collaboration and providing essential breaks.

Coffee is King: Your morning coffee is a ritual. Best try out the coffee before you make any decision – you need to be sure it’s decent! Also check if a range of teas and mineral water are provided.

Kitchen Facilities: Look for a clean, tidy kitchen with a fridge and microwave,. Is there a designated space to eat away from your desk?

Lunch Options: Consider what’s nearby. Are there any cafes and sandwich shops nearby where you can grab lunch or a quick snack?

Location

Location

No matter how great the space is, its location is a key factor that can affect your work-life balance and business image.

Parking: Before committing, check that there is ample parking available, and how much it costs. You don’t want to spend the start of your workday driving around looking for space. If you have an electric car, is there a charging point close by, or if you prefer to cycle, is there somewhere safe and dry to leave your bike? Donsie Co-working has two large car parks so you'll never be stuck without a space.

Location: Is it important for it to be near your home, in the centre of town, or convenient for clients? Consider what is most important for your professional brand and your daily routine.

Local Amenities: What's the local area like? Is it near your bank, a post office, or a gym? Having these amenities close by makes it easier to run errands and fit in a workout before or after work. Check out our guide to local amenities in Bridge of Don.

People

One of the main reasons for using a coworking space is for human contact, so you need to know what the other clients are like. What sort of work do they do – will there be opportunities to collaborate? How many other users are there? An empty office will not fulfil the social aspects of working in a communal space but if it’s very crowded you may find it hard to focus.

The Vibe: Take a moment during your tour to observe the atmosphere. Is it a quiet, heads-down work environment, or a lively, social hub? The culture of the space should match your personality.

Networking and Events: Are there formal networking opportunities such as lunch and learns, Friday lunchtime get-togethers, after work drinks or a Christmas party to help you get to know the other workers?

Who Else is Here? While you can't get a full client list, ask what types of professionals or companies typically use the space. Are they in creative industries, tech, or finance? You might find unexpected opportunities for collaboration and new business.

Unique Features: Some spaces offer unique perks that can enhance your experience. This could be anything from wellness rooms to games rooms with ping-pong tables, or even a pet-friendly policy for dog lovers.

Choosing a coworking space in Aberdeen is a big decision, but it's an investment in your productivity, professional network, and personal well-being. By asking these questions and taking the time to tour your preferred options, you should be able to find an easily accessible, friendly, and flexible space with fantastic coffee.