Unlike most college students, I never had the full college experience. I was a commuter, living at home and going to work when I wasn't in class. I've been doing the same routine in the same house for my entire life—and I've done it with my mom a bedroom over from me, there to offer support when I needed it (and sometimes when I didn't).

This summer, after graduating college, I decided to shake things up, pack myself up and move 10 hours south to Maryland to participate in my first archaeological field school. Because, you know, I like to do things backwards sometimes.

And holy crap, I was not prepared.

I mean yeah, there are basic things I was prepared for. I can cook a mean box of mac and cheese, and I can pick up after myself. I know how to do laundry, and so far I've managed to wake up every day at 6:45 to get ready for the carpool to the site without my mom calling to wake me up which—if you know me—is pretty impressive.

But there's just so, so much that I didn't even think of. There are things that I realized I needed because it just never occurred to me before that I'd have to use it—mostly because my mom always handled it. Basically, my mom is my own little Wonder Woman, and I owe her endless praise for not only giving birth to me but also keeping me alive the past 21 years because honestly, I'm shocked I've survived a whole two weeks on my own with minimal incident.

For everyone with both mothers supportive as mine, and common sense as dull as mine, here are 8 things you should know about moving out on your own!