The Idea

The Cork Student Housing Co-op is a student-led, not-for-profit housing initiative built on co-operative values of democracy, community, and shared responsibility. 

Here's how it will work:

The co-op follows the principle of “one member, one vote.”

Every member has an equal say in decisions, regardless of how long they’ve been involved or how much they’ve contributed financially.

Major decisions are made collectively, ensuring fairness and transparency.

Members contribute to the co-op by:

• Paying affordable rent that covers costs, not profit.

• Participating in shared responsibilities like cleaning rotas, basic maintenance, gardening, and organizing events.

• This fosters a sense of mutual care and accountability, making the co-op more than just a place to live.

The co-op is governed through regular member meetings, where everyone can raise concerns, propose ideas, and help make decisions.

It uses sociocratic principles: a governance model that emphasizes inclusive, consent-based decision-making and distributed leadership.

For large co-ops, roles and responsibilities are shared through small working groups, ensuring that everyone has a voice and no one is overburdened.

This model empowers students to take control of their housing, learn valuable life skills, and build a supportive, sustainable community.

Images taken at a Student Housing Co-op (La Cigue) in Geneva.