If life was directed by Kenny Ortega, the first moment of adulthood would go something like this: You move into college. You're left alone on your bed, you have no friends yet, and your parents have left campus in their station wagon. You beeline for the hall bathroom because you don't want to cry in front of your new roommate (yet, at least--trust me, that comes later). Boom. You're totally on your own.
But sadly, life isn't like "High School Musical," and Troy Bolton isn't your boyfriend; he's just your unattainable, hot RA. And you're not completely on your own yet if you still follow a meal plan. The moment adulthood comes for most is when you're in an apartment, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and doing everything entirely for yourself. For most, this comes around junior or senior year of college. For me, this came when I studied abroad.
Luckily, I wasn't alone though. Over the last five weeks, my five housemates and I have had to not only grow accustomed to living in a new country, but entirely without supervision or help.
While college students all around the world are grappling with the same woes of adulthood, here's seven times we all shared the same feelings and realizations: We're adults. And that disease is permanent.
1. We have to grocery shop?
My mom and my sister love to grocery shop, a concept I always found perplexing and unfathomable. While away in Italy, I have to not only cook but shop for everything I want to eat myself. What if I forget something? What the heck do I even want to eat tonight, let alone tomorrow?
2. Defrosting chicken: a science.
We've all been there. It's 5:00 p.m. and you forgot to take it out of the freezer. Looks like you're going to starve tonight.
3. Getting sick.
What am I supposed to do when my mom isn't here to bring me tea, Mucinex, and satisfy my every need? SERIOUSLY.
4. You realize coffee is a luxury.
It's not. It's a necessity. There is nothing I can say to soften this blow.
5. You blow a fuse.
I quickly realized I can't use every appliance and outlet in the apartment while simultaneously drying my hair. If you don't know how to fix it, you don't get your dad to do it instantly; you get darkness until maintenance comes in the next three to five business days.
6. Everything is expensive.
You can't go out to eat. Ever.
7. Your mom is most likely never doing your laundry again.
I'll just leave it at this. This one will take a while to recover from.
And the biggest, most powerful, painful joy of all of this whole "adult" thing is that many of us don't even pay rent yet. This only means it gets much, much worse.
Welcome to Adulthood, please enjoy your stay.
