the struggles to having your first college apartment
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Student Life

What They Don’t Tell You About Having Your First College Apartment

At least it is better than living in a dorm.

Jackie Stein
Aug 14, 2018
College of Charleston
144
What They Don’t Tell You About Having Your First College Apartment
Photo by Raphael Schaller on Unsplash

Finally, you are out of the dorms and on to living in your first apartment. Other people made it look so fun and cool, which don't get me wrong, at times it is! At first, you will start to feel more like an adult and it is very exciting to have your own place; but, then reality hits and you miss what it was like to not worry about cleaning, grocery shopping, and having so much responsibility.

1. Cleaning is a reoccurring hassle

Living in such a small space means everything will get dirty fast. You may not have kept your childhood bedroom clean, but that's mostly because either a maid or your mother was helping declutter the mess. However, you have a lot more than your bedroom to take care of in an apartment. The kitchen, the bedroom, and the living area are now our responsibility — unless you want bugs and weird odors, you are definitely going to want to clean up at least once a week.

2. Grocery shopping is harder than it looks

No more college meal plan or mom's home cooking! You are now faced with preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for yourself. If you happen to be a decent cook, this won't be a problem. However, if you are like me, plan to eat a lot of Mac and Cheese and frozen pizza.

3. Locking yourself out will happen

Always remembering to bring your key can be easy to forget when you are in a hurry out the door. But, once you leave… you cannot get back in without having to call your landlord or a locksmith -- which really sucks and can get pricey. It will happen, no matter how organized you are -- just try your hardest to not leave your apartment without the key!

4. It won’t look like your Pinterest board

Most of your furniture will be handy-downs or yard-sale pickups. Your apartment will look as cute as your budget can make it. Just keep in mind, it will not look like your dream home.

5. There are a ton of things you need that you have never bought before

Besides budgeting for the decor and furniture, remember you'll have to start buying toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, Drain-O, Swiffer, cooking supplies and the list goes on and on. The struggle of adulting starts to kick in.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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