College only lasts four or fives years, but once the days of frat parties and wearing sweats to class are a thing in the past, your next move awaits you. What do you want to do in the real world? What job should you get? All of that is important, but another major one is: WHERE? Where do you see yourself flourishing, exploring, and making home? Where is calling your name next? For me, moving far away to a new city on my own to pursue an internship was the wake up call from the real world I needed.

If you choose to move someone new, somewhere nobody knows your name, yet, you will learn an overabundance of lessons within such a short time.

1. You Are Capable

The first few days, I figured out how to successfully take public transportation, how to move way too many things into my tiny apartment space, how to eat alone, how to make a budget in a new location, how to survive in a new environment. After a hard week, I laid in bed and thought about how much I had taken on and accomplished, and realized I am capable of anything I set my mind to. You’ll learn very quickly that you’ve got this.

2. You Can’t Give Up After A Bad Day

Days in the past may have been slightly easier, but taking risks and exploring new territory allows you to reach your fullest potential. Bad days are bound to happen, like leaving your wallet on the train or blowing a presentation at work or not having the best roommates. It’s all about how you bounce back, and remember all the positives you have going on too. Having an optimistic mindset can make the struggles of moving a piece of cake.

3. Doing Your Own Thing Is Fun

Enjoying your own company is so important. In college, you’re constantly surrounded by sorority sisters or your study buddies or your Friday night gang. When you move somewhere by yourself, you get to make decisions based solely on what you want and what fits in your life. Where are you taking yourself to dinner today? What movie do you want to rent? What bar to you want to go to? You get to do you without worrying what everyone else wants. You get to put yourself first and that’s completely okay.

4. You Need A Budget

Yes, there’s rent, car payments, student loans to pay back, but there are other things to budget in. Going out or attending sporting events or shows starts to add up, and each invite sounds as enticing as the last, but your bank account can only take so many hits. It’s important to have a budget for entertainment, to ensure you aren’t spending more than you are making and you have your priorities set. You’ll need a balance between work and play.