Getting away from mommy and daddy

We all want to have independence. That is especially true when you start going to university and the biggest way to gain that independence is to move out .

Living on your own can be fun and exiting, but it will also create a lot more things that you have to worry about. There is a lot to figure out before making that decision and still a lot to manage once you do.

Residence is a common first step away from home, as it can act as a bridge between living at home and finally getting a place of your own. Photo: Albina Khouzina

Financial

One of the biggest aspects of moving out, of course, is the finance. Rent typically is the biggest monthly expenses for everyone and when you live on your own if you don’t pay the rent, then you wont have a roof over your head.

It’s important that you really plan and think about how you spend your money and if you will have enough every month for all your expenses.

Try to have an established credit by the time you move out and get to know how much things cost so you don’t get blindsided. Aside from your rent you will also have to shell out a bit of money when you first move in to buy furniture, plates and other things for the place.

Roommates

Roommates are a big thing when you move out, especially because university costs generally mean living alone is not an option. Its important that you actually think about who you want to live with; that can be hard when you are living in residence because you have no choice. Also realize that just because you are friends with someone, doesn’t always mean you can be good living partners.

“When you live together sometimes it’s a little bit different,” says Jack Dobbs, one of a councilors at the Wellness Center. So ask the right questions beforehand.

Make sure you set ground rules on how you will split expenses, the chores and if you are going to be sharing or having your own food. The clearer you make the rules the easier it will be and the less arguing there will be.

Keeping familiar relationships

Although we all want to move out to gain that independence from our parents, its still important to communicate with them about moving out. Keep them informed about what is going on because they want you to succeed as well. That is why you should have a plan in place and show them that you are prepared.

“Where ever possible have your parents on board,” says Dobbs, that your parents really do want the best for you. “Don’t burn all those bridges because you might be going back and saying, ‘I need to come back for another semester’. Leave on good terms.”

Simple advice

Finally learn how to cook and do laundry before you move out, because you can’t eat take-out forever and you don’t want make all your whites pink.