When/How to Move Out

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the fall of 2019, about 19.9 million students are attending colleges in the United States. 16.9 million of them are in undergraduate programs and thousands of these students, like me, will live on- or closer to campus either from the first day of college or after their first year. Victoria Lozano, resident assistant at Casa Bella in Brownsville, said first year students want their independence to have the full college experience.

“By doing so, they’re able to attend events hours after classes ended, meet new people at those events and have easy access to resources any time,” she said. “Sleeping between classes is always a bonus.”

It’s been three months since I left my parents’ house and moved into an apartment, so if you’re thinking of moving out and living closer to campus, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

1. How to find a place to live?

· After graduating high school-or halfway through college- the idea of being closer to school sounds either exciting or terrifying. According to moneycrashes.com, a good way to research apartments is to do a walk-through. “After everything checks out and you’re happy with the apartment, location, and landlord, you should do a final walk-through before signing on the dotted line because previous tenants may have caused damage or maintenance issues, you need to be sure that you won’t be responsible for any issues that weren’t your fault”.

2. How to save money for rent and other fees

· This is where inexperienced independents can get nervous because the thought of not having money for rent or food is overwhelming; besides also worrying about tuition. Before signing the lease, ask what rent covers. Many off-campus housings may have other utilities fees that are not covered by rent. Be mindful of utilities use. “If you’re not paying attention, you could find your electric bill skyrocketing from $50 per month to $400 per month! It happens, and it can seriously harm your college student budget,” according to The College Investor, who helps students save money. Another tip is learning to cook. Although it’s easier to go out, it can be expensive. It takes practice and ask for help from roommates, family or friends with it. Even invite friends over to make food. A way for cheaper shopping is looking around the store for items listed “on sale” or going to a dollar store. Also, consider saving on gas by utilizing public transportation.

3. How to handle homesickness

· For some, independence is amazing and could be a life goal. However, homesickness can still hit like a truck randomly. Moving from home is a huge transition. One way to cope is not spending too much time at the apartment. Although it could be nice to relax and perform special self-care, it still can become too quiet. Jake Butler, who wrote 9 ways to deal with

homesickness on savethestudents.org, said plan day trips, study in the library rather at the apartment, getting a part time job or doing extracurricular activities. Another suggestion- a personal one- is to call loved ones. Hearing their voice could potentially improve one’s mood. It is also a good idea to spend a weekend at home.

4. How to handle roommates?

· Some students enter apartment/dorm life with little to no experience of sharing a bedroom. Although many universities and apartments send out personality surveys to better match roommates, it can still be flawed and set up poor matchups. It is important to communicate with all roommates of issues because they can’t read minds. “Avoid getting frustrated by conflicts by taking a break and physically walking off any awkward or nasty talks,” Phile Nobile, an author for Noodle.com, wrote in his 5 Constructive Ways to Deal With Bad Roommates. Remember, depending on the leasing contract, these “bad roommates” are there for almost a year. Being honest with them will make living away from home pleasurable.

5. How to keep the apartment clean?

· Performing house chores like mopping the floor might be dull, but important to maintain a healthy living at the apartment. According to Psychology Today, “a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who make their beds every morning are 19 percent more likely to report regularly getting a good night’s sleep”. Change these mundane tasks by having music playing.

Feeling the beat of a song could motivate better cleaning habits. Purchasing cleaning products is another issue, consider shopping at a dollar store for them to save a few dollars. Try adjusting the perspective of cleaning from negative to positive impacts how the cleaning process is going to be.

It’s scary leaving home for the first time. There are moments when you’ll question yourself, your abilities to manage time, relationships, and having personal life. Lozano said being exposed to a new environment can also cause issues.

“You have to juggle so many things in school and out,” she said. “It could become overwhelming.”

According to a study by The Journal of Positive Psychology, individual’s moods improve when “cheer music” is played. Here’s a playlist for whenever I feel down:

–7 rings by Ariana Grande

–you should see me in a crown by Billie Eilish

–Tia Tamera by Doja Cat

–Candy Store from Heathers

–I Like It by Cardi B.

–7/11 by Beyoncé

–Bandology by Eric Osterling

–God is a woman by Ariana Grande