Home is a very real and tangible concept to many college students. So, moving out involves missing a place and giving up knowing what’s in which cupboard, how the shower works, and what’s in the fridge.

For some of us, home revolves more around the atmosphere and the people, and refers to being loved, accepted, and welcomed.

However we define it, we all know that at some point in life we have to leave our home, whether for school or a job or just for a little while only to return.

It’s a unique life experience that teaches us plenty about who we really are.

A wise person once said that “you never know what strong is until being strong is all you have”.

Well, I’d venture to say that you never know how deliciously nutritious ramen is until you move out.

So to all the incoming freshman, and those of us a little late in the game, here’s a taste of what moving out can teach you, if you let it.

1. Sleep is for the weak.

No, really. There’s no more bedtime and no wiser being there to say, “You have a big day tomorrow, you should get some sleep.” But, you learn sleep isn’t all that important. Sure, it’d be nice to get a healthy eight hours and be on top of your game, but sacrificing an hour or two (or six…) is worth it. Don’t misunderstand, I am not encouraging unhealthy or reckless behavior. But sometimes, the best memories are made when you should be asleep. When you’re a six figure parent with soccer practice, dance class, afternoon meetings, and a PTA fundraiser on the brain, you might need sleep. But as a newly moved out college kid, enjoy the late nights and early mornings. Living happiness is better than dreaming of it.

2. Laundry multiplies—FAST.

Now, I’ve been doing my own laundry since I was about 12, but not like this. When you live with other people, you have to limit your wardrobe for space concerns. Thus, you run out of clothes lightning fast. And there’s no “Mom can you throw a load in” card. It’s all on you to not be forced to wear last Monday’s outfit. So my friends, keep an eye on the laundry heap, it can become your worst nightmare.

3. Living with people takes people skills.

Living with your family is entirely different from living with roommates. Your family generally has to love you, but your roommates don’t. For the first bit you may feel uncomfortable, and exhibit your best behavior. In our society though, “people skills” generally turns into pretending to be someone you’re not. That’s not fair to anyone. If you hate what they’re cooking for dinner, kindly inform them. If you love to sing off key in the shower, give them a laugh. If you’re having a bad day, ask for a hug. Having people not obligated to love you embrace your quirks is the best feeling there is, and vice versa. So go for it.

4. Ramen really isn’t that bad.

I never ate Ramen as a kid, as a high-schooler, or even as a freshman or sophomore in college. In fact, I didn’t try it until my junior year. I was informed that I would hate it when I had to eat it more. Well my friends, if it’s hot enough, you barely even taste it (plus if Anime characters eat it, it has to be good for something right?).

5. Your mother was right.

You do want something that’s your own clean.

It is hard to juggle a job, a social life, and cooking dinner.

You DO sometimes need sleep.

It’s hard to get to the store sometimes and the snack food WILL run out.

The gas money your dad always gave you does NOT grow on trees.

You DO miss her, and the brothers you fought with every day, and the Dad you thought didn’t listen.

But, she did raise you to handle it.

She is one of God’s greatest blessings and she trained you well.

You owe your survival to her (and domesticated roommates because all you can cook is pasta).