If you're a college student like me, chances are you are going to be living in an apartment at some point to be near the school and experience living on your own. Even if you are taking a different route post-high school, you won't be a stranger to this new lifestyle. Whether you have plenty of roommates or are riding solo, the first few nights in your new home will be a mixed bag, but you'll get the hang of things eventually. I recently left the nest myself to land in my own place to live, and I have already learned so much more about adult life.
1. Things can get expensive pretty fast
Say it with me now: generic brand items are our friend. If it gets the job done, then you probably don't need to be spending the extra money to get something that is name brand. Remember, you have rent to pay now!
2. Stereo Guy will always have friends
You may not hear them right away, but don't be too surprised if you're relaxing one night only to be met with blasted music (with much more lyrical clarity and less bass than last year's living situation).
3. Familiar items make a new place a home
If you're prone to getting homesick like I am, then fill your apartment with some of your favorite furniture or possessions so you have something that reminds you of home no matter how far away you are.
4. Then again, you'll be reminded of just how much stuff you have
I hate to break it to you, but unpacking will probably take longer than you expect it to. My advice would be to focus on one box to completion so your mind isn't trying to find space for both clothes and knick-knacks at the same time.
5. It's OK to cry, and you should probably let it out anyway
Bottling up your emotions is never healthy. You're going through a difficult transition and its inevitable to make mistakes, so don't be too hard on yourself and allow natural emotions to run their course before picking yourself up again.
6. You'll be surprised what chores come up way sooner than you thought they would
First, you're going to develop a schedule for when you want to clean and how often. Now once you're moved in, throw that all out the window. Dirt tracked inside, dusty dishes, things to wipe off, etc.; these are just a few things you may find yourself doing within the early days of apartment-living.
7. You'll get quite the workout on move-in day
I'm talking cardio, weight lifting, and a lot of repetition. Try to find out if your apartment complex has an elevator to go with the stairs, or else you're in for a long day.
8. Leave early to work so you have time to find a new route
You don't want to start your work day feeling frustrated and worked up, so try to give yourself as much time as possible to navigate towards your place of business. As you continue to do this, try taking different but similar routes in order to familiarize yourself with the area if you're not a local.
9. At the end of the day, you'll be extremely proud of yourself and how far you've come
I can do something as basic as making myself a hot dinner, and I'll be dancing around the kitchen saying "Look at that, kiddos! Look what I did!" You're going to have some tough times ahead of you, so celebrate the small things when you can. Eventually, you'll be saying something like "Wow, look who's doing taxes!"
