College is all about growth. It is where you transition from the free and innocent life you had in high school to the confusing and ever-challenging stage of young adulthood. Usually, you also get the chance to move out of your home and live on your own, but it is easier said than done.Â
ALSO READ:Â How Much It Can Cost Monthly To Live Independently As A Student In Manila
Leaving the familiar life you have at home to go to a completely unfamiliar environment comes with a lot of adjustments. Still, it is undeniably one of the ways to make the most out of your college experience.
If you are considering moving out and living independently, here are a few things you need to take note of:Â
1. You will feel homesickÂ
For sure, the thought of moving to a new place, meeting different people, and having the freedom to do things your way is very exciting. But once the excitement wears off after a while, you will start to miss your comfortable world. You will look for ease from your family, long for the bond with your friends, and miss your established routines. During these times, you will want to go back home, crawl on your own bed, and be with your loved ones.Â
But, being homesick after moving is natural. You will need time to get used to your new environment, find new friends, and create new routines. We suggest keeping in touch with your family every now and then, especially when you feel homesick. It may take quite a while to overcome the nostalgia, sadness, and anxiety of living outside your comfort zone, but you can do it as long as you open yourself to all the changes in your new world and throw yourself into it.Â
2. Instant food will become your ~lifeline~
When you’re living alone, convenience is everything. Cup noodles, canned goods, processed and fast food, or any ready-to-eat meals from convenience stores will become your lifeline. You will basically choose anything and everything easy to get and prepare, especially during hell weeks so you can save more time to study (or sleep).Â
With this, expect that instant food will take up most of your grocery budget. Even though it is a practical choice for students, just be sure to keep your consumption in moderation. Treat yourself to some good food every once in a while or learn how to cook!Â
3. Budgeting is a lot more difficult than it seems
When I moved out, that was the first time I realized how hard it was to handle my own money. I was a lavish spender who used up my whole week's allowance in two days and then resorted to eating whatever was left in my grocery stock for the rest of the week.
In order to help you avoid making the same mistakes I did, make a spreadsheet to keep track of your budget, especially all your expenses like rent, groceries, transportation, and allowance. Prioritize the stuff you need before the ones you want and save as much as possible. It can be very challenging at first but living alone entails discipline, so learn to budget your money responsibly.Â
4. You can build another home away from home
The best part of moving away from your hometown is the chance to start clean in a different city. Once you have settled on your own place and learned to thrive in it, it can actually become your home away from home.Â
Not only that because when you’re lucky enough, you can find people who will make you feel the warmth of home too. Most often than not, your shared academic struggles, the similar longing for your families, and the same course you take to self-discovery can be the very foundation of your friendship. Remember that college is emotionally, intellectually, and physically draining, but the friends you meet along the way will not let you go through it alone.Â
5. Moving out is not going to be easy, but it will allow you to grow
When you move out, you will have to stand on your own feet. From preparing your food to doing the laundry, you will have to do all chores on your own. You also have to look out for yourself because when you get sick, your family won’t be able to take care of you. Basically, you will have to figure out your way around by yourself most of the time.Â
Being on your own means self-reliance as much as it equates to independence and freedom. You will be responsible for yourself— making grown-up decisions and handling grown-up responsibilities in a grown-up world. Moving out is a maturing and learning experience and it’s not supposed to be easy. But no matter how hard and confusing it gets, it will contribute a lot to your personal growth and career development, making it worth the shot.
From The Candy Bulletin Community
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