To the girl moving off campus: The first thing I have to say is congratulations! While this might seem like a routine sort of event, something that you just “do” after living in the dorms for one or two years, it is actually a huge accomplishment. Having the courage to step out on your own, to pay rent, be responsible for your own space, manage roommate dynamics, prepare your own meals, be conscious of your own finances, and more is the beginning of adulthood. While this is an exciting transition, it’s often a very stressful one. Through this article, I hope to reassure you that, though it may be different or hard at times, moving off campus will help you grow in confidence and maturity, preparing you for the “real world” post-graduation.
My personal housing journey has taken many twists and turns. This fall, I will be a fifth-year senior, and it will be my first school year living in the same place as the prior year. Throughout my time at Michigan, I have lived in two different dorms and two different houses — each with their positives and negatives. I’ve survived bad roommates, loud neighbors, loneliness, lack of A/C, and home appliance malfunctions, but I’ve learned how to cook, manage my schedule, balance social life with alone time, find the best places to park, eat, and study on campus, and not lose myself along the way. Of course, my current house isn’t perfect (as no place is), but after years of searching and trying new things, I’ve finally found a place where I’m content.
The biggest piece of advice I can give is: Embrace the independence you are gaining. Living off-campus, especially if you have a car or access to a bus stop, opens up so many doors for trying new things. If you’re in a neighborhood that throws parties, go to the parties and meet people! If you’re near a farmer’s market, stop by and support the local businesses. If you live near your friends, invite them to walk to campus or other events with you. Throughout my time living off campus, I’ve been able to try out different grocery stores and coffee shops, visit nature areas outside of the city, go for drives with my friends to neighboring towns, attend neighborhood concerts, and more.
If you don’t have a meal plan (or have a limited one), do not be afraid of cooking! This was a huge fear of mine when I moved into a house out of the dorms. I found that developing a stable routine for meal-prepping and trying new cuisines turned something that may seem like a chore at first into an enjoyable activity. I’ve been able to experiment with different cuisines, bake sweets for my family and friends, and cook dinner for my partner every week after he gets off work. While I don’t make elaborate dinners all the time — sometimes a simple baked potato with cheese suffices after a busy day — the independence I’ve gained from managing my nutrition has benefitted both my physical and mental health. Additionally, there are SO many recipes online that you can find via a simple Internet search. The culinary world is quite literally at your fingertips.
It might take you a while to get used to living in a house, apartment, or just with other people in general. If you find that your new place doesn’t feel quite right, it’s okay to move out at the end of the lease! Of course, it is important to respect your roommates and honor any agreements you’ve made with them, but if you discover you need your own space, or a new neighborhood, or want to live with family nearby, that is a perfectly valid choice. I’ve met many people who have lived in different places or with different roommates across their time in college, as well as people who’ve moved home after spending a couple of years on campus. This is your chance to explore all your options while you can.
So, in closing, I want to wish you success as you embark on this exciting new part of your college journey. Be brave, have fun, and embrace this step toward adulthood!