Resident Spotlight: Life at Morton Place with Theresa

We recently sat down with Theresa, a long term member of Morton Place, to learn more about what brought her to Brussels, how she found MP, and what she still enjoys  after a few years living with us.

When Theresa first moved to Brussels for a last-minute traineeship, she had only a few days to find a home. The city can be a maze for newcomers — too many listings (some might be too good to be true), too little time,  and endless administrative steps once you arrive. But when she discovered Morton Place, the process felt refreshingly human.

“I was welcomed so openly by Ivonne and Tanya,” she recalls. “The interview was personal and friendly. I made my decision with an easy heart.”

Today, two and a half years later, Theresa still calls Morton Place home — and proudly carries the affectionate title of “mom of the house.”

Finding a Place That Feels Like Home

Theresa discovered Morton Place by chance while searching online.

“It was really a lucky find on Google,” she says. “The website felt personal and real — not like the big agencies. I could tell that the houses were cared for.”

From her first visit, she knew it was the right fit.

“The chandelier in the hallway, the big bookshelf, the attention to detail — everything felt thought through. My room is one of the smallest in the house, but it’s full of light and gives me a real sense of private, safe space.”

That balance — privacy and connection — is what makes coliving at Morton Place unique. “Everyone respects each other’s rhythm,” Theresa adds. “It’s not a student house. We’re all professionals who value our space, but when we spend time together, it’s because we want to.”

Community That Grows Naturally

At Morton Place, community life unfolds in small, genuine moments.

“We cook and bake together, we chat in the kitchen, we started our yearly Harry Potter marathon,” Theresa says, laughing. “There are quiet times, but when the house is social, it’s amazing — five or six people in the kitchen at once, talking about work, travel, or just life.”

That mix of connection and independence is what keeps residents staying longer than planned.

“I thought I’d stay six months,” she admits. “Two and a half years later, I’m still here.”

Navigating Brussels: The Challenges and the Support

Like many newcomers, Theresa found the bureaucracy in Brussels daunting at first.

“You have to register at the commune, get insurance, figure out how everything works — it’s different from home, and it can be overwhelming.”

That’s where Morton Place made the difference.

“Tanya and Ivonne helped me understand every step. The guides they provided were so useful — I saved hours of confusion.”

She now passes on those lessons to newcomers she meets through her work.

“My advice is simple: ask for help. You’re surrounded by people who’ve done this before.”

Discovering the Real Brussels

Theresa is honest about Brussels: it’s not always love at first sight.

“It’s a city of contrasts — luminous and shadowy at once,” she says. “But if you give Brussels a chance, it grows on you.”

Her advice for newcomers? Step out of your comfort zone.

“Don’t stay in the EU bubble — explore the city. Go beyond the Thursday drinks at Place Lux. Brussels is so diverse and full of culture — from art workshops to padel clubs to volunteer groups. That’s where the real connections happen.”

 

Why Coliving Still Works — Even for Professionals

Theresa has lived in several cities, but she says coliving as a professional surprised her most.

“Even when you think you’re done with sharing a house, give a place like Morton Place a chance. It’s not about sharing everything — it’s about having people nearby when you want them.”

After long days at work, she values the comfort of coming home to familiar faces.

“It’s rare to find a home where you can talk about your day — or just close your door and recharge. Morton Place gives you both.”

A Message to Newcomers

Theresa’s story mirrors what we see often at Morton Place: young professionals arriving in Brussels, uncertain about what they’ll find — and leaving with lifelong friends.

“Reach out. Give Brussels a chance. And find a place where you can both connect and breathe.”

At Morton Place, we couldn’t agree more.

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