26 Jul 2020

Uni is a pivotal change in your life. Add moving out of home to the mix and the whole experience will be educational in more ways than one. 

Sure, leaving home whilst starting a uni degree can be frazzling. For me, it felt like I'd been chucked in the deep end, figuring out how to juggle a million things at once. Truth be told it can be hard at times, but in my opinion, it's 100% worth it. Here's the hot goss on the matter!

You'll gain a fresh location and faces

Moving away from your home town gives you the opportunity to leave behind all the embarrassing and cringy things you did in high school. Like for instance, at my high school, everyone thought I liked to eat my scabs (a cruel rumour my mate spread as a joke that everyone actually believed... for the record, I don't eat my dang scabs!), but in my new location, I could be as funky, well dressed and interesting as I wanted - scab free! 

Not only will you be meeting tonnes of fresh faces at uni, but your new location will also offer new mates everywhere you turn. From new jobs, sports teams, events and parties, you'll be making friends everywhere whilst sussing out new funky restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and hangout joints.

You'll learn a million life skills

You'll have to learn how to make an edible meal with like nutrition and stuff. You'll have to wash your clothes without colouring everything blue or shrinking all your best items. You'll have to figure out how to budget your dosh so that you can party and have electricity.

These are the sort of life skills that high school and uni don't teach but will make you more mature, aware and independent. 

Sometimes it'll be overwhelming 

I knew I was #adulting when I was late to a party because I'd been cleaning the kitchen and hanging my laundry out. It can be frazzling trying to balance uni, work, your social life and looking after yourself. Slowly but surely, you get used to fending for yourself. But it isn't a walk in the park 24/7, so keep that in mind.

Not to mention, it'll be expensive

To be completely honest, moving out of home can cost the price of Jesus' tears. Saving dosh is pretty hard when you're paying for rent, groceries and bills as well as balancing a social life with festival tickets and meals out. You'll learn how to be savvy with you dosh (and if you need more help there, check out our FinLit series for the hot goss on all things money) and how to prioritise your spending.

Sometimes, you won't be able to afford a new pair of jeans because your rent is due. Sacrifices will be made and sometimes it can be hard.

You'll appreciate the little things in life

When you can afford a new pair of jeans, it'll feel all the more special. For me, when I first moved out, the shower in my new crib was abysmal. Nothing gave me greater joy visiting my 'rents and using a quality shower. All I'm saying is, having to really look after yourself, pave your path and pay for all of your expenses will enhance your appreciation for things like a good meal, when your favourite pasta is on sale and when you have time to just binge a tv show. 

You'll be a free bird

You can leave the house without anyone asking where you're going, who you're going with, for how long... the independence is so liberating. 

You'll be able to come home drunk and vomit all over your bed without anyone judging you or shouting at you. The only person who'll be disappointed in yourself is yourself. Lol.

But for real, the world really becomes your oyster when you move for uni.