Living off-campus is a big leap into the adult world. There are many steps to take before leasing a house or an apartment. There’s also a lot of thinking and thinking and thinking involved. You want to make sure the decision is right for you, even when all your friends may be moving off campus, this may not be the right choice for you.
The great thing about St. Kate’s is that most students have to live on-campus their first year (it’s not mandatory) but most students do and this helps you step into the first stage of being an adult. Your room and board gets paid at the beginning of the year, alongside your tuition. But living on campus allows you to learn how to manage grocery money, laundry use, and other little things you didn’t know would be part of your life learning experience.
After living on campus, it’s usual for one to want to become more independent. The three following bolded captions are the most important things to know when deciding if moving off-campus is right for you.
1. You’re Ready for Freedom
You can’t light candles, have cute pinterest lights up all year, or have fun get together without getting a noise complaint. There’s a lot of buzzkill living on campus, if these things are of your interest and you truly wish to live in an enrvironment where you’re able to do many things you want. No parents, or family members to trouble you, and no RA’s! But by wanting freedom, you’re acknowledging consequences that may come after any decision making you make in the future.
2. Steady Income
With a steady income comes a steady job. Unlike living on campus, there is a monthly payment on your living space, internet, cable, heat, electricity, and well, it just keeps piling up. Being organized is quite crucial and if you believe you’re able to make these reoccuring payments throughout the year than you should be fit for the adult world.
3. Ready to Be an Adult
Previously, I mentioned about income and bills and a job. As someone who wants to move off campus that means you’re ready to take on the next big thing in life. You’re tired of having to eat in the cafeteria, of having to share rooms with another person, and tired of walking everywhere to use household items like the laundry and bathroom. Part of this process is learning everything that intersects with life. For example, if you’re moving off-campus you may need to decide on something due to it’s location. Going into the adult world is making sure every detail has an answer, or at least a thought. You’re ready to throw yourself into the grown up world because after all, we learn better when we’re going through the experience.