If someone told me three years ago I’d be living away from home, meeting the most amazing people and discovering life on my own, I’d have thought that was impossible. Fast forward to now and that’s my reality. Deciding to move away for school has become one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for so many reasons. As an introvert homebody, I never thought I’d be admitting that. But looking at my life now and how much I’ve grown from moving away for school, I couldn’t recommend it more.
Reason One: I Learned Money Management Skills
Let’s start with the decision to move away. Affording to go to school is expensive as it is but affording to live away from home is way more than anyone should have to pay. Seeing as I’d have to pay for post-secondary school on my own, moving away never seemed to be a reality for me. However, after realizing I could manage my money and work insanely hard to make a decent amount, it soon became easier to visualize. One of the greatest choices I had ever made next to moving away for school was taking a gap year. I learned money management, life without school and was able to save up enough to move away. That was the first step to growing into the person I am today.
Reason Two: I Met Some of the Best People I’ve Ever Known
Arriving at my apartment for the first time was an overwhelming experience. I had four new people I had never lived with but would be living with for the next eight months. Not only would I have to navigate living on my own and figuring out university, but I was also pushed into a new set of people to be my social circle. It was overwhelming for an introvert, so for the first few months, I did most things on my own as I always had. However, the more I got to know my roommates, the less I did on my own and the more fun I ended up having. I learned that while being independent is great, having a good social circle is even better sometimes. The people I met got me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to things I probably never would’ve enjoyed without them.
Reason Three: A Close Network of People to Help with School
I feel like my grades have thrived in university since I’m surrounded constantly by people doing the same classes or studying for the same exams. Living at home would’ve consisted of me studying in my room while my mother cooked dinner and my teenage sisters watched television. Going away for school and living with other students has allowed me to focus more on my schoolwork, as well as feel better about the fact that everyone is going through similar things. I’ve felt less alone in terms of school and grades, and I’m closer to more resources to assist in getting my schoolwork up to the highest possible standards.
Reason Four: I’ve Learned Life Skills Early On
Everyone moves out eventually. And with that comes new responsibilities such as bills, groceries, chores and other individual care needs. Learning these at the early age of 18 or 19 will allow you to become more associated with what must be done and at what times. Grocery shopping, I’ve learned, is a skill that must be mastered. Simply walking into a store and purchasing whatever looks good is a horrible idea and therefore requires preparing and planning to save money and limit food waste. I’m happy I had this early experience, living on my own and having gone through all the ups and downs of new responsibilities.
Reason Five: My Mental Health Improved
Mentally, I’m in the best position I’ve ever been in. At first, I got homesick and nostalgic. Being away from friends and family and being in a totally different place in life can be scary. But after a while, meeting the right people to share my days and nights with have been worth it. I still go home during school breaks where I feel at peace and myself again. However, being at school makes me feel like I can achieve anything. Breaking out of my comfort zone was exactly what my mental health needed. I feel constantly motivated to become a better version of myself and inspired by those around me. I’ve had more laughs and memorable nights than ever in my life. Going away has made me happier than ever.
Overall, going away for school is one of the best decisions you could ever make. It will be scary and nerve-racking at first. However, once you’re there and open yourself up to new experiences, new people and new possibilities, you’ll have the time of your life. University is only a fraction of your life and those few years will fly by. Going away for school is a great way to ensure you’re getting the most of these few years and setting yourself up for a better future.