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Your First Day at a Minneapolis Coworking Space: What to Expect at Coco
Leaping from a traditional office or home workspace to a coworking environment can feel like a significant change. If you’re considering trying a coworking space in Minneapolis for the first time, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your first day at Coco a productive and comfortable experience.
Before You Arrive: Choosing the Right Minneapolis Coworking Location
Coco offers several distinctive locations throughout the Twin Cities, each with its own unique character and amenities:
Downtown Minneapolis
- Vibe: Professional, energetic business district setting
- Ideal for: Client meetings, downtown accessibility, networking with corporate professionals
- Nearby: Skyway access, downtown restaurants, public transit options
Northeast Minneapolis
- Vibe: Creative, artistic community with industrial character
- Ideal for: Creative professionals, more relaxed atmosphere, easier parking
- Nearby: Local cafes, art galleries, craft breweries
When selecting your location, consider your commute, the types of clients you might host, and the professional community you’d like to join. Many members find that trying different locations helps them discover which environment best suits their working style.
What to Bring on Your First Day
Packing for your first day at a coworking space is simpler than you might think. Here’s what to bring:
Essentials:
- Laptop and charger: The foundation of most modern work
- Phone and charger: Keep your communications flowing
- Headphones: For focus time and video calls
- Notebook and pen: For those moments when digital just won’t do
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated (water stations are available)
- ID/access card: If provided during your signup process
Optional but helpful:
- Monitor, keyboard, mouse: For dedicated desk members who prefer a full setup
- Laptop stand: For better ergonomics
- Personal coffee mug: For a more sustainable (and personal) touch
- Light sweater or jacket: Temperature preferences vary
What NOT to bring:
- Bulky equipment: Printers, scanners, etc. (these are provided)
- Strong-smelling food: Consider your neighbors in shared spaces
- Excessive personal items: Storage space is limited, especially at hot desks
Arriving: Your First Steps
Walking into a new environment can be intimidating, but we’ve designed the experience to be welcoming and intuitive:
1. Check in at reception
- Introduce yourself to our Community Manager
- Complete any remaining paperwork or waivers
- Receive your access credentials (key card, app access, etc.)
- Get a brief orientation to the space
2. Connect to essential services
- WiFi: You’ll receive login credentials at check-in
- Printing system: Learn how to send documents to our secure print system
- Meeting room booking platform: Get set up on our digital booking system
3. Take a guided tour
Our team will show you around the space, including:
- Workspace options: Hot desks, dedicated desks, private offices
- Meeting rooms: Conference rooms, phone booths, casual meeting areas
- Kitchen and refreshment areas: Coffee, tea, water, and snack options
- Restrooms and wellness rooms: Locations and access information
- Emergency exits: Safety information
Navigating the Space: What You’ll Find at Coco
Our Minneapolis coworking spaces are thoughtfully designed to support different work styles and needs:
Workspace Areas
- Hot desks: First-come, first-served desks in open areas
- Dedicated desks: Assigned desks with storage for those with dedicated memberships
- Private offices: Enclosed spaces for teams or individuals needing privacy
- Phone booths: Soundproofed spaces for calls and virtual meetings
- Lounge areas: Comfortable seating for casual work or conversations
Meeting Spaces
- Conference rooms: Formal meeting spaces with presentation capabilities
- Huddle rooms: Smaller spaces for 2-4 person collaborations
- Event spaces: Larger areas that can be reserved for workshops or gatherings
Amenity Areas
- Kitchen: Equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, and basic utensils
- Coffee bar: Premium coffee and tea offerings
- Printing stations: Multi-function devices for printing, scanning, and copying
- Wellness room: Private space for nursing mothers or those needing a moment of quiet
The Unwritten Rules: Coworking Etiquette in Minneapolis
Every community has its norms, and coworking spaces are no different. Here are some etiquette guidelines to help you integrate smoothly:
Noise Management
- Use headphones for calls at open desks
- Take extended or sensitive calls to phone booths
- Keep voices at a considerate level in shared spaces
- Set devices to silent or vibrate
Shared Spaces
- Clean up after yourself in the kitchen and common areas
- Return furniture to its original position if you move it
- Don’t “reserve” hot desks with personal items when you’re away for extended periods
- Respect others’ personal space and privacy
Meeting Rooms
- Book in advance through our system
- Start and end meetings on time
- Clean whiteboards and remove materials when finished
- Report any technical issues to staff
Community Engagement
- Introduce yourself to neighbors (when they’re not clearly focused)
- Participate in community events when possible
- Respect others’ focus time by observing social cues
- Share resources and knowledge when appropriate
Your First Day Timeline: What to Expect
Here’s how a typical first day might unfold at a Coco location in Minneapolis:
8:30 AM: Arrival and Check-in
- Complete your orientation with our Community Manager
- Get set up with WiFi and access credentials
- Tour the space to learn where everything is located
9:00 AM: Setting Up Your Workspace
- Choose your desk (or find your assigned space)
- Set up your laptop and get comfortable
- Connect to WiFi and test your connectivity
10:30 AM: Coffee Break
- Explore the kitchen and coffee options
- Perhaps meet a few fellow members
- Check out community bulletin boards or digital announcements
12:00 PM: Lunch
- Eat in our community areas or explore nearby Minneapolis restaurants
- Many members use this time for casual networking
2:00 PM: Try Different Work Settings
- Move to a lounge area for a change of scenery
- Book a phone booth for afternoon calls
- Explore different areas of the space to find your preferred spots
4:30 PM: Wrap Up and Reflect
- Pack up your belongings (or leave them at your dedicated desk if applicable)
- Check out with any questions about your experience
- Consider what worked well and what you might do differently tomorrow
Making the Most of Your Membership
To get maximum value from your coworking experience at Coco, consider these tips:
Professional Development
- Attend member workshops and skill-sharing events
- Join industry-specific meetups hosted in our spaces
- Connect with potential mentors or collaborators
Networking Opportunities
- Participate in community happy hours and social events
- Introduce yourself to members in complementary industries
- Share your expertise through member spotlight opportunities
Productivity Enhancement
- Experiment with different work areas for different tasks
- Take advantage of 24/7 access (depending on membership) to find your optimal work hours
- Use meeting rooms for focused work sessions when needed
Business Growth
- Display your marketing materials in designated areas
- Offer special services or discounts to fellow members
- Host a lunch-and-learn to showcase your expertise
Common First-Day Questions at Minneapolis Coworking Spaces
“How do I book a meeting room?”
Meeting rooms at Coco can be booked through our digital platform, accessible via your member portal. Most memberships include a certain number of meeting room credits each month.
“What if I need help with something?”
Our Community Managers are always available to assist with questions, technical issues, or facility needs. Don’t hesitate to ask!
“Can I receive mail and packages here?”
Yes, all Coco memberships include mail and package handling. You’ll be assigned a specific address format to use for your business mail.
“Are there printing limits?”
Most memberships include a monthly printing allowance. Our team can explain your specific allocation and how to track usage.
“Can I bring guests?”
Yes, some memberships include guest allowances. Guests should check in at reception, and extended visits may require a day pass.
“What are the hours?”
While dedicated desk and office members typically have 24/7 access, community areas have standard hours (usually 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Your specific access hours will be confirmed during orientation.
Embracing the Coworking Experience in Minneapolis
Your first day at a coworking space marks the beginning of a new way of working—one that combines flexibility, community, and professional resources in a way that traditional offices often can’t match.
At Coco, we’ve designed our Minneapolis spaces to make that transition as smooth and rewarding as possible. From your first hello at reception to finding your perfect work spot, our goal is to create an environment where you can do your best work while connecting with a community of like-minded professionals.
Remember that adapting to a new work environment takes time. Give yourself permission to experiment with different spaces, routines, and interaction levels until you find what works best for you.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Coco community! To schedule your first visit or learn more about our Minneapolis coworking options, contact us today for a tour of any of our Twin Cities locations.