1) You'll Realize Not Everything Can Be 'Pinterest Perfect'
It's likely before you got your first apartment you had an image in your head of your 'dream apartment'. But the reality is your apartment will not be as perfect and new and matched as the picture on this article. Your apartment will be a wonderful collaboration of donated furniture, DIY remodel projects, and store deals. But don't be discouraged! You'll be surprised to realize just how nice you can make your apartment look with 'odds and ends' of decor, you just have to be a little creative! I used a lamp I made in 7th grade Tech Ed class instead of buying a new one, all I did to alter it was stain the wood to a darker finish and it actually looks really nice in my room. And one of my roommates made a shelving unit out of crates that looks very rustic and cute.
2) You Learn That Meals Have To Be Planned
In terms of the food you eat, you enter a whole new level of 'adulting.' No longer are you walking into a dinning hall with meals all ready for you to choose from, or living at home where food is often made for you, and groceries are stocked. You now face the reality of having to map out a general plan of what you are going to eat the entire week and when. You have to plan groceries accordingly and make meals in order of what ingredients have the shortest shelf life. The biggest shock is that you have to be thinking about what you're going to make, and possibly prepping that food, before you are even close to being hungry (yikes mom was right about that!).
3) You Become A Stickler About Your Consumers Energy Bill
You now care about all those little things that save money. You unplug things like the toaster and your phone charger before you leave, and you keep lights off as much as possible. You a year ago might think this was extreme but you now knows that all the little things together can save a worth while amount of money.
4) You're Never Lonely When You Have Apartment Mates
Whether it's getting ready together, cooking a meal, or just lounging around, it's really nice to be able to have company a good chunk of the time. Someone else is usually there to talk to even if it's just for a second so you'll never feel isolated like if you lived alone. It's also super nice because you can help each other figure out the new life skills that come with having an apartment. "Where are you?" texts are a regular thing. You and your roommates are likely keeping track of each others whereabouts, and it's nice knowing you have others who would notice if you went missing. Your roommate group chat is also usually buzzing and handy when it comes to keeping each other up to date. You're also likely to lend each other a helping hand from time to time.
5) You Are Less Likely To Walk Into Random Parties
You have a respect for the idea that parties are held in someones home, more so than freshman in the dorms do. While there may be loud music and lights 'inviting you in' when the night is over someone will be in there trying to make breakfast, clean up, and study for a class. Once you have your own place, you only really go to parties where you genuinely know somebody. It's a a common curtesy that you become more aware of once you have your own apartment. After all, you would not want random people walking through your house, and it makes you rethink the freshman method of walking into anywhere that looks hopping.
6) Taking Care Of Bills, Apartment Upkeep, Grocery Stocks, And Food Prep Is A New Realm Of Responsibility
Maybe at home your mom or dad would have to tell you to pick up after yourself, but it an apartment you have a sense that it is your responsibility to keep it clean. A kept apartment is something to be proud of, and is likely something you'd want to maintain. It's also important to learn skills such as taking care of bills and cooking. It's nice to be able to do that in an environment where everyone is trying to figure out the same things.
7) Freedom Is Sweet
Need more be said?
