As a homebody who's never lived away at college, or gone away for an extended period of time without my family, I had no idea what to expect when I decided to move out of my home and into an apartment for my senior year of college.
I've been living on my own now (with a wonderful housemate!) for two months. Here's my list of pros and cons of my experience so far.
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First Off, The Pros
1. Eating Out of the Half Gallon of Ice Cream
Yes, this deserves to be first on the list. And, save money by washing fewer dishes when you drink straight from the carton!
2. Peace, Quiet & Relaxation
Focus, meditate, and breathe. Read that book, paint that picture, do that yoga pose; there is time to think about you.
3. Be as Messy/Clean as You Wish
Do your chores on your own time. Your place will be as clean (or as messy) as you leave it.
4. No One Stealing Your Shower Essentials
Gone are the days where your brother uses half of the shampoo you bought specifically for your hair type. Hello to saving money on hair care for one.
5. Dance & Sing Like No One is Watching
Well, unless you have a roommate. Then you might be more careful depending on how much you care.
6. Learn How To Budget
Because if you don't you will have an $85 electric bill and only $74 in the bank.
...And The Cons
1. The 4 Letter Word
Rent. If you can't pay it, [insert other four letter word here]. Thankfully, I've been lucky enough to have support from family members to balance the struggle of paying for rent and tuition.
2. Absence of Home Cooked Meals
3. Spiders
Invest in a hand-held vacuum or have an on-call bug killer friend/boyfriend. Either will work as a method of defense, but have an emergency plan in place before they come for you. You can even pick up your very own bug vacuum at Target.
4. Grocery Shopping for One
Thought I ate enough food for four people, but somehow I'm throwing out half my kitchen...
5. No One To Help You With Your Outfits
Need to zip up that bangin' dress but you're living alone or your housemate is out? Time to either ditch the dress altogether or get creative!
6. Quiet...a Little Too Quiet
Noise...what was that noise in the middle of the night?
...Spiders. It's probably the spiders coming at you. Just assume it's the spiders and prepare yourself.
Since I've only been out of my parent's house for a little while now, this list is subject to change. A year from now, I will probably reflect on my experience differently. But, I know for a fact that ice cream and spiders will definitely make the list.
