Despite growing up on different sides of the world, Kate, Jaden, Charlotte and Chloe found an instant connection when they met at Fitzroy & Co by Est.

“It’s cliched, but it’s not just like a surface-level friendship—it’s a bond for life,” Charlotte says.

Their paths first crossed on the day Kate and Jaden moved in at an event organised on the 10th floor by the ‘Est connectors’, a social committee that helps foster the community within the building.

“We didn’t know anyone!” Kate laughs. “Jaden and I were kind of being awkward in the corner, and then we were introduced to Chloe and Charlotte, who were standing by the cheese board. They were nervous too, but by the next day, we were already having dinner together.”

Within two weeks, they were seeing each other almost every day, whether heading out to their favourite pub nearby to play pool or spending time with Chloe’s Spaniard, Penny, who flew with her and her boyfriend from home in the UK.

“The dog-friendly thing is obviously huge, with me having a pet. Penny is a great way to meet people, because everyone wants to say hello to her. She loves that so many people come and say ‘hi’ when we walk through the building. I think a lot of people like living in a pet-friendly building that’s so social,” Chloe says.

In a short time, the four friends have forged an unexpected strong connection.

“Honestly, we love just sitting in each other’s presence. I know that sounds crazy, but after a day of work, or a day of being busy, coming home and being like, Hey guys, do you want to catch up? Want to come over to my apartment? Whatever it is, just being able to come home and know I have friends to chat to and bounce ideas off is fantastic,” Charlotte says.

Jaden adds: “It’s pretty surreal. I didn’t think that this is what my life in Melbourne would be like.”

A few weeks later, the four friends volunteered to be Est connectors, leading activities and helping everyone in the building to get involved on a smaller scale.

“There are fun events that include food and drinks and are a bit more casual. But we also run things like environmental networking, wellbeing workshops and business activities,” Kate says.

“Some events are geared towards families and others for people with dogs. We also have events for those who want to drink and those who don’t, so there’s something for everyone,” Chloe adds.

The strong social connections also help with feeling far from home.

“It just makes me feel like I have a good group of friends and that I don’t miss home as much when I’m around them. Everyone is so lovely,” Charlotte says.

“The best thing is moving here and falling on our feet with the sense of community. We’ve all made a big move to come to Melbourne, and living here and having these friendships straight away makes it so much easier. You have good days and bad days, but you’ve always got someone to distract you and have fun with,” Jaden says.

We loved hearing about the incredible bond formed by Kate, Jaden, Charlotte, and Chloe. Discover your own connections at Est, book a tour today!