This year, I moved into a house in Greenville with three other girls and it has been quite the adventure. Aside from navigating roommates and coexisting with other people, there's the simple stuff I thought I knew but actually… didn't.
Here are 10 things that living without my parents has taught me.
1. Just because you get something in the mail, doesn't mean it's $20 from a family member.
More likely than not, it's a bill, junk mail, or did I mention, a bill?
2. It's expensive to be healthy.
You start to realize that Lunchables are drastically less expensive than kale.
3. Doctors appointments don't make themselves.
When you're not feeling well, you can't just show up and be seen. There's a process to it...
4. Clothes will actually get wrinkly by sitting in the drier.
Am I the only one who never did laundry until college? You learn something new everyday!
5. The small pleasures go out the window.
Dry cleaning? Home-cooked meals? Not so easy doing them on your own.
6. Anything you can wait to buy until you go home, you wait.
Do I really need dryer sheets immediately?
7. You can't pick your neighbors.
I don't think that after college, I'd choose to live across from a fraternity house again.
8. Don't forget to blow the candle out!
My mom would religiously come behind me at home and blow out the candle I had lit when I inevitably forgot about it. Well, let's just say I'm glad I haven't burned the house down yet.
9. It's kind of important to turn the lights off when you're not home.
One outrageously high utility bill later and I will never leave a light on again.
10. Your house won't clean itself.
This year I've had to learn to use a swiffer and I'm honestly not happy about it.
Although living at home is carefree and easy, living without my parents have taught me things (although obvious to some people) that I know I'm better off for learning. A few things I've had to learn the hard way, but having the best roommates and parents has made it that much easier. Although I'm sure I'm not done learning yet…
