For a year now I’ve been living away from home for college. This has meant a ton of new things and challenges etc. and I thought I’d make a list of helpful tips for when you move out on your own I guess?
1: Make lists
Groceries, homework, chores, everything really. It will help you keep organized. It’ll keep you from getting stressed about having lots of things going on or having to keep track of what you need to buy.
2: Do. Your. Dishes.
Going somewhere over the weekend? Do the dishes before you leave. Even if you think there’s not much gunk on them. I cannot tell you how many times I forgot/didn’t have time to do the dishes before I left for the weekend, and came back to a smelly apartment and gross dishes…
3: Get contacts and telephone numbers
You might get sick enough to not be able to buy groceries, you might be stuck somewhere in town without a way to get home, something in your apartment might be malfunctioning etc. Make a list of important telephone numbers and have it somewhere in your house where you can see it. Try to make contacts in town, not necessarily friends, but just people you are acquainted with enough to call when you really need help or advice.
4: Keep your apartment/room tidy and organized
You think you won’t get visitors? Wrong. You can and you will. Even if you’re home sick or just simply can’t clean for some reason, try to keep it at least a little bit cleaned up. From own experience I can tell you that it’s not nice having guests when your socks are on the dining table…
5: Talk to your neighbours
It’s 100% nicer to live somewhere when you know who lives around you. Go knock on some doors and introduce yourself. If you’re like me and stay up late a lot, a good idea is to tell people that. I was very worried that if I was in Skype calls at night, I’d disturb my closest neighbour. But I sorted that out by simply asking if they’d been disturbed by any noise and that they could tell me if I had been too loud so I could just y’know, not do that. Be friendly and helpful, they will most likely treat you the same. I can guarantee you that no one wants to be your enemy unless you give them a reason to dislike you. If you have disputes, sort them out. Talk to them and work out a solution. Everyone just wants to live in peace and be comfortable in their homes.
6: Keep updated with your town
Keep updated with the news and current events, be on the lookout for things that interest you. Participating in an event of some sort is a great way to get out and see things and explore your town. It’s also really good for meeting new, possibly like-minded people. Check your town’s site (or local paper) if it has one, is there any upcoming events or special things going on? Is there something you would want to help arrange or participate in? Engage yourself! It’s sure to give you new experiences and contacts. Even if you’re like me and socially awkward, doing things on your own will help build confidence and you’ll have tons of fun while doing it!
7: Get a backpack
If your grocery store is further away than a 15 minute walk, you better get a backpack. It will help you carry things home and not having several heavy plastic bags that might break at any time. It will also conveniently give you free hands if you have a bike. It’s great for college too!
8: Don’t be afraid of independence
Go shopping, go to cafés, go to the cinema, read a book in the park. Break the notion that it’s tragic to see someone do ‘typically social’ things by themselves. It takes a lot of courage, but trust me, it’s worth it. Don’t let being on your own stop you from doing things.
9: Teach yourself things
It can be everything from boiling rice to fixing a broken chair. Look up some tutorials, I guarantee you will have use for your newly aquired skills, regardless of how small they are. You’ll also feel very proud once you’ve figured out how to do said thing. People will also most likely take you more seriously as an independent adult if you are able to handle things by yourself.
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