diff --git a/.gitpod.yml b/.gitpod.yml
index 9d0a37cbd5b..6deebf26f42 100644
--- a/.gitpod.yml
+++ b/.gitpod.yml
@@ -12,6 +12,14 @@ ports:
   onOpen: ignore
 
 tasks:
+- before: |
+    echo '
+    export COOKIE_DOMAIN=gitpod.io
+    export HOME_LOCATION=$(gp url 8000)
+    export API_LOCATION=$(gp url 3000)
+    ' >> ~/.bashrc;
+    exit;
+
 - name: db
   # starting mongo in background, so it doesn't block prebuilds
   before: >